The Nekromandeion of Efyra is one of the most important ancient oracles. This oracle of the dead stands on the north bank of the Acheron river near the village of Messopotomo. The Acheron plain, according to mythology, was where the souls of the dead dwelled and the ancients believed that the Gates to the Underworld were here, the Gates, which led to the Kingdom of Hades (Land of the Dead). In ancient times people went to the sanctuary in order to communicate with the dead, who, they believed foretold thier future.
The Necromanteion was built in stages no sooner than the 3rd century BC. Originally, all there was, was a cave at the side of the hill where the ruins of the oracle lie today. Among its remains, which are remarkably well preserved, one can explore the corridors, rooms, central hall and underground chamber, carved into the rock, supported by 15 arches which was thought to be the dark palace of Persephone and Hades. The sanctuary was burned and destroyed by the Romans in 167 BC and was eventually abandoned during the 4th century AD the time when Christianity replaced the old pagan religion of the land. The monastery of St John the Baptist was built on the ruins of the oracle during the 18th century AD.
