Mount Parnassus Region, Greece

Mount Parnassus is a mountain of limestone in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth, and offers scenic views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside. According to Greek mythology, this mountain was sacred to Apollo and the Corycian nymphs, and the home of the Muses. The mountain was also favored by the Dorians. There is a theory that Parna- derived from the same root as the word in Luwian meaning House.

Approximately 65% of the Greek landscape is composed of limestone's ranging from the Jurassic to the Quaternary. Cave formation took place in the Tertiary and Quaternary periods and has led to karst regions rich in speleological interest (7000 caves registered by 1980). Often of small dimension, the great number of entrances has meant that many have archaeological, historical or mythical connections such as the Corycian Cave on the slopes of Mt. Parnassós, a gift to the nymph Corycia from Apollo.

YUCPC have had expeditions to Greece 3 times in 1996, 1997 and 1999.

Expedition Reports

1999: unfortunatly, no information can be found for this trip. If it turns up, it will be included here.

1997: No actual reports can be found for the 1997 trip, however there are descriptions of two cave discoveries; Amazon Pot and Farmer Giles Cave.