Temple of Karametra Chloe

The magnificent center of the shrine is similar to many of the temples of the goddess on the peninsula. An open circular stoa with an image of the goddess in one of its inner thrids from whose throne emerges a gigantic tree that splits into three and covers the image and much of the temple. The tree bears fruits not found anywhere else called Karpos, sacred and of use only in the mystical rites. The image of the goddess, made of white marble and her golden scythe stand out on her throne of bark and moss. The hair of the goddess is made of natural leaves of an eternally shining greenness. The temple is always brimming with offerings in the form of produce from each season's harvest, distributed at the feet of the image of resting on the columns. In spring the temple is a real spectacle when the branches of the tree blossom into beautiful pink flowers that fall caressed by the wind and bathe the ground. The flowering lasts more than a month accompanied by an explosion of flowers throughout the sanctuary that make it one of the most beautiful spectacles to behold.