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Jeita Grotto

karstic limestone cave, Jeita, Lebanon

One of the 28 Finalists

Jeita Grotto

Lebanon

The Jeita Grotto (Arabic: مغارة جعيتا‎‎) is a system of two separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves spanning an overall length of nearly 9 kilometres (5.6 mi). The caves are situated in the Nahr al-Kalb valley within the locality of Jeita, 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Though inhabited in prehistoric times, the lower cave was not rediscovered until 1836 by Reverend William Thomson; it can only be visited by boat since it channels an underground river that provides fresh drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.

In 1958, Lebanese speleologists discovered the upper galleries 60 metres (200 ft) above the lower cave which have been accommodated with an access tunnel and a series of walkways to enable tourists safe access without disturbing the natural landscape. The upper galleries house the world’s largest known stalactite. The galleries are composed of a series of chambers the largest of which peaks at a height of 120 metres (390 ft).

Aside from being a Lebanese national symbol and a top tourist destination, the Jeita grotto plays an important social, economic and cultural role in the country. It was one of top 14 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.

Lebanon

Interesting Facts

Jeita Grotto


Instance of

cave

Length

9 km (5.6 mi)

The Official

New 7 Wonders of Nature

PP Underground River

national park, Philippines

Table Mountain

landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa

Komodo

island

Amazon

Forest and river in South America

Jeju Island

island belonging to South Korea

Iguazu Falls

waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina

Ha Long Bay

limestone bay, Vietnam

Worldmap

The 28 Finalists

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