The Jeita Grotto of Lebanon

The Jeita Grotto of Lebanon 

The Jeita Grotto of Lebanon is a compound of crystallized caves located 20 km north of Beirut, Lebanon in the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb or Dog River. This grotto complex is composed of two caves – the upper galleries and lower cave. The upper galleries was discovered in 1958 by Lebanese speleologists, while the lower cave where an underground 6230-meters-long river runs was discovered in 1863 by Reverend William Thomson. The grotto complex was nominated in the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The cave and galleries is home to one of the biggest stalactites in the world hanging 8,20 meters from the ceiling. Carved from the limestone by water are cathedral-like vaults with various sizes, colors and shapes. The cave is more than 9000 meters in length and 108 meters in height from the ceiling to the water level.

Jeita Grotto is the longest cave complex in the Middle East, as well as the formation of the most beautiful limestone crystallization in it. Jeita is located five kilometres of Mediterranean coastline and 18 kilometers from the Lebanese Capital, Beirut.

The complex is divided into two levels. Low Level 6,200 metres long and irrigated River which became a source of water to the residents of Beirut. While at a higher level, 60 feet on it, has a long and famous with the 8330 feet stalactites, stalagmites, fungi, and are amazing. The second level of the cave is accessible with the tour for two hours using boats. The cave is the longest stalactite in the world, over 8.2 meters.