The Pyramid Shadow Phenomenon

From the photographer: “Mount Taygetos is the highest mountain on the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete and it was named after her. One of the most intriguing aspects of Taygetos is the phenomenon of the pyramid shadow. As the sun rises, under specific weather conditions, a remarkable natural occurrence takes place. From the mountain’s summit, an equilateral triangle shadow, resembling a pyramid, is cast upon the Messinian Gulf.

In order to see this phenomenon you have to reach the summit; Prophitis Ilias at an altitude of 2407 meters. We started our night hike at 2:35 am from Taygetos’ refuge and at 5:00 am we reached the summit. The weather conditions were ideal, clear sky calm wind. The view was unique and breathtaking.”