How much do you know about Jeita Grotto?
#1 Jeita Grotto, which is a natural wonder, is a system of two interconnected caves.
#2 The Lebanese landmark was one of the top 14 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.
#3 The American missionary Reverend William Thomson discovered the lower cave in 1836. He was exploring the area and entered the cave.
When Thomson reached the river, he fired a shot from his gun. The echoes proved that he discovered a cave of great importance. The discovery was followed by many expeditions.
#4 Lebanese speleologists discovered the upper galleries in 1958. They house the world’s largest stalactites, which are formations that hang from the ceiling of caves.
#5 Jeita Grotto closed to the public during the Lebanese Civil War. The caves were used to store weapons and equipment. It reopened to the public in 1995.
#6 The grotto, which is 9 kilometers long, is the longest cave complex in the Middle East.
#7 The cave was first known as the Grottoes of Nahr El Kalb. The name changed after newspapers called it Jeita Grotto.
#8 The visitors can safely visit the cave without disturbing the natural landscape. They can take a short ride in a rowboat in the lower cave.
#9 This statue, which is called “The Guardian of Time,” is located right outside the caves. Other attractions include a souvenir shop, a train, a cable car, and a garden.
#10 Jeita Grotto is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for Monday. The lower grotto is closed for a few days in winter. The complete tour takes around two hours.
Visit Jeita Grotto soon!