It is also called "Gerontospilios", located approximately 2km northwest of the homonym village. In Greek mythology, it is mentioned as a place of worship of Talos, the bronze giant, who run through Crete twice a day during the Minoan period guarding the island. Several archaeological findings from the cave are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. However, the cave is connected with a tragic page of history: In January 1824, when the women and children as well as some warriors from the village, who had hidden from the Turks, did not accept to turn themselves in, despite the three-month siege, the besiegers set fire to the entrance of the cave, causing to their death. In the main hall of the cave, the '' Hall of Heroes '', there is a monument with the bones of those people to commemorate the tragedy that unfolded there. Melidoni Cave is very interesting in terms of speleology. The narrow hallways leading to successive halls and the compositions created by the stalagmites and stalactites are offering an impressive spectacle.