Open hours  Daily, 08:00-15:00

Tickets

• Full fare: €1,2
• Reduced fare: €0

The Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Maronia and Komotini operates within the monument.

Museum open hours:

Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10:30-13:00
Wednesday, Friday: 17:00-20:00
Saturday: 10:00-13:30
Holidays: Following telephone arrangement

In the prefecture of Rhodope, about 30 km. South of Komotini, between Proskynites village and Maronia village, at Mount Ismaros, in the area known as "Koufou to Plai" you can find the cave of Maronia which is rich in stalactites and stalagmites.

The reference to Kikones and Maronas, priest of Apollo in Ismaros city in the Odyssey, led us to believe there is a link between the cave and the incidence of  blindness of the giant Polyphemus by Odysseus (i352-452). Therefore, the cave is known as the cave of the Cyclop Polyphemus.

Ismarida lake took its name from Mountain Ismaros which is nearby. The locals also call it Mother Lake. It is located south of the prefecture and is of great importance for the region and protected by the Ramsar Convention. The area covers approximately 2,000-3,000 acres and it is the only lake across Thrace with entirely fresh water. The lake goes up to 1.5 meters deep and it is home to many birds (190 species in total) among which you will find bird curlew, one of the rarest in the entire world.

This is the most important and beautiful river of the prefecture. The springs are located in the prefecture of Xanthi on the peaks of Rhodope Mountains and the estuary of the lake is in Vistonida lake. It is one of the most important habitats in Greece; a place of residence and reproduction of many species of birds. The landscape around the river is mainly covered by oak forests, while in some places you will find the typical Greek stone bridges.