Perspective of development of maronia cave and the surrounding area (Thrace, Greece)

Protection and development plans of Maronia Cave are proposed. The speleological and architectural studies suggest part of the cave to be used for tourist visits, in association with a modern undermine building - museum of natural sciences and environmental studies. Suggestions extend to surrounding area (geotopes, flora, archaeological paths etc). Maronia cave is located at Rhodope Prefecture, western Thrace, close to the homonym village (2 km NW) and the archaeological site as well. It is formed in a relatively thin formation of Nummulitic limestones of Middle Eocene age on top of schists. The decoration of the cave presents a great variability. Some of the speleothems are rare and impressive. The Cave and the district of SE Rhodope Prefecture have also a great archaeological interest, while it is related with the significant archaeological sites as old as 3,500 yr, which are spread around the whole region (Ismara mountain), making the area a huge open-air museum. Our proposed master plan for the development of the cave and the architectural study suggest part of the cave (northern chambers) to be used for tourist visits, in association (cut and cover tunnel) with a modern undermine building - museum of natural sciences and environmental studies (Fig.1,2). Suggestions extend to surrounding area (geotopes, flora, archaeological paths etc) with a tower (Cafe, observatory) as a symbol of the cave and reference point. The development of the Maronia Cave anticipates giving an alternative approach to the visitors in comparison with other developed caves in Greece. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the geology, paleontology, archaeology and the flora of the cave and the surrounding area. They could observe the fauna of the cave (in situ). Cameras situated in chambers of the cave, will make possible to see bats as they hibernate or breed as well as spectacular speleothems. Some of the endemic invertebrates of the cave could be observed in terrariums (Paragamian et al.