An escape to nature that inspired myths
The landscape awaiting you at Krya Springs, nestled within Erkyna Gorge, is truly dreamlike. Water, at times calm and at others rushing, flows from every direction, while massive plane trees with green trunks hide the sky. Traditional monuments, cafés, and restaurants create ideal conditions for an unforgettable escape in the heart of Livadia.
Today, nothing remains of the Oracle of Trophonius Zeus that once operated here. This “anteroom” to Delphi is cavernous. According to the descriptions of Pausanias, before receiving the prophecy, the faithful had to drink from two springs: the Spring of Lethe (Oblivion), to ensure they forgot everything they knew up to that moment, and the Spring of Mnemosyne (Memory), to ensure they remembered everything seen and heard within the dark underground chamber where they remained for hours or even days.
Regardless of the mysterious stories surrounding the oracle, today’s Krya Springs are sure to be an unforgettable experience. As for the name of the river and the gorge, Hercyna (Erkyna) was a nymph and a friend of Persephone. Legend has it that one day the two friends were playing with a goose that hid in a cave. When they moved a rock to find it, the springs burst forth from the earth.
Thanks to these waters, Livadia has become an idyllic destination. Take a peaceful stroll along the paved paths by the river, take a moment with the sculpture of Hercyna emerging from the water, and climb up to the chapel of Agia Ierousalim (Saint Jerusalem). Admire the restored stone bridges, the nerotrivi (water-jet), and the watermill, reminders of Livadia’s 19th-century heyday when the power of water fueled countless local cottage industries. You can then head up to the 14th-century medieval castle, home to the churches of Agia Varvara (Saint Barbara) and Agia Sophia (Saint Sophia). Make sure you don’t leave Livadia without visiting its famous Rumeliot tavernas.
Today, nothing remains of the Oracle of Trophonius Zeus that once operated here. This “anteroom” to Delphi is cavernous. According to the descriptions of Pausanias, before receiving the prophecy, the faithful had to drink from two springs: the Spring of Lethe (Oblivion), to ensure they forgot everything they knew up to that moment, and the Spring of Mnemosyne (Memory), to ensure they remembered everything seen and heard within the dark underground chamber where they remained for hours or even days.
Regardless of the mysterious stories surrounding the oracle, today’s Krya Springs are sure to be an unforgettable experience. As for the name of the river and the gorge, Hercyna (Erkyna) was a nymph and a friend of Persephone. Legend has it that one day the two friends were playing with a goose that hid in a cave. When they moved a rock to find it, the springs burst forth from the earth.
Thanks to these waters, Livadia has become an idyllic destination. Take a peaceful stroll along the paved paths by the river, take a moment with the sculpture of Hercyna emerging from the water, and climb up to the chapel of Agia Ierousalim (Saint Jerusalem). Admire the restored stone bridges, the nerotrivi (water-jet), and the watermill, reminders of Livadia’s 19th-century heyday when the power of water fueled countless local cottage industries. You can then head up to the 14th-century medieval castle, home to the churches of Agia Varvara (Saint Barbara) and Agia Sophia (Saint Sophia). Make sure you don’t leave Livadia without visiting its famous Rumeliot tavernas.
