Palmetis Chasm at Stroumboulas Plateau
Palmetis' Chasm is located on the Stroumboulas plateau, in Tylissos. It is an abyss of historical importance, located at an altitude of 498 meters north of the Evgasos peak. The cave entrance is elliptical (with dimensions 7x2 meters), and its total depth reaches 35 meters. The cave consists of two levels. The first reaches a depth of 20 meters, where a large room is formed, and the second reaches a depth of 15 meters.
Palmetis' Chasm has been associated with many legends by the locals. The most famous tale is the one that connects the tomb with Captain Giannis Palmetis (1790-1834), whose real surname was Panteris. Palmetis was a rebel (hainis) who lived in the area during the Turkish occupation and made the Turks who crossed the path which connected Heraklion with mountain villages, such as Astyraki, Aidonochori and others, "disappear". The husky man ambushed, killed and then threw them in the chasm.
Another legend speaks of the end of Palmetis himself. It is said that when the Turks located his hideout, they forced him to jump into the abyss. Palmetis, with his agility, passed the opening but managed to grab a branch. Then, a Turk hit the tree with his sword, cut the branch and Palmetis was killed in precisely the same way he killed his enemies. Others claim that the end of Captain John took place in 1834 while walking unarmed and carefree in Heraklion. Mustafa Naisli Pasha's men captured him, killed him and threw him into the sea.