Tourist information and destination rating
Local time: 07:00:19,
Address: Qornet El Hamra, Lebanon
Jeita Grotto is a limestone cave in
Lebanon . It is situated in the town of Jeita, in the Nahr al–Kalb river valley, about 18 km from the capital city of
Beirut . It was formed from dissolved limestone. The lower cave in Jeita Grotto was discovered in 1836 by William Thomson and it is 6200 m long. The Nahr al-Kalb river flows through the cave and it is the drinking water reserve of
Beirut . There is also a hall with impressive stalagmites and stalagtites, e.g. the Eagle Obelisk. Tourists are transported in electric boats. The lower cave is closed in winter due to high water level. The upper cave in Jeita Grotto was discovered in 1958 and it is located about 60 m above the lower cave. It is 2130 m long but only 750 m are accessible via special pathways. Visitors of this cave have the option to see various crystal shapes, such as stalagmites and stalagtites, columns, ponds, curtains and drapery. There are three huge chambers – the White Chamber, the Red Chamber and the third chamber, which is the biggest of the three and it reaches the height of up to 120 m. The Jeita Grotto cave has been nominated for the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World contest.
Information and Facts
Last update: Nov 10, 2012 2:18:17 PM
