Antip'aros

Antip'aros (anc. Oliaros), one of the middle Cyclades in the Ægean Sea, close to Paros. It is well cultivated and tolerably fertile, nearly 14 sq. m. in area, and contains about 500 inhabitants. Rich lead mines were discovered in 1872. Its wonderful stalactite grotto is not alluded to by any Greek or Roman writer, but has been well known since 1673. The entrance forms a wide natural portico on the south-west side of a mountain, from which the visitor reaches the first spacious vault by means of ropes and ladders. To go farther is still more difficult. At a depth of 918 feet under the entrance, the chief chamber is reached. It is 312 feet long, 98 wide, and 82 high, and is covered everywhere with the most wonderful stalactite and stalagmite formations.