The Prometheus Cave in western Georgia near the city of Kutaisi is
amazingly breathtaking. The natural cave is 1,420 metres long with an
incredible array of stalactites, stalagmites, a river system, and lakes. The
stalactites (limestone formations that hang down) and stalagmites (upward
formations of mineral deposits) have formed shapes, such as curtains, waves,
figures – such as an ape and a woodpecker – and waterfalls. There are alslo
helictites, which are twisted, corkscrew or horizontal deposits formed by wind
in the cave – the wind influences the direction.
The temperature in the cave remains at 14 degrees Celsius all year round,
with about 95% humidity. There are about 16 ‘halls’ which are wide sections of
the cave.
There are three main colours of the limestone stalactites and stalagmites –
white due to calcium deposits, brown due to the clay, and black due to the
manganese residue. The bright colours are the lighting. Coloured and white lighting
provide enough light to see the ceilings, deep ravines, and indented caverns. Soft
music adds to the atmosphere too.
The route, led by a guide, is one way. At the exit a shuttle bus takes
visitors the short distance back to the main building.
It is most popular during the summer tourist season, although it is
generally closed on Mondays. Being the off-season and raining, I was the only
person on the tour – a luxury because it gave me time to have an unlimited view
for as long as I liked.
The sign in the main building warns visitors that there are 800 steps and
anyone with a heart condition or claustrophobia should consider their health
and wellbeing. There really are 800 steps but there are plenty of landings where visitors
can rest, and because the cave is wide and high it does not really feel
claustrophobic – but there are a couple of sections with low ceilings. Its
maximum height is 21 metres.
Discovered in 1984 it wasn’t until 2008 that it commenced construction to
present it to the public, taking four years until 2012 to construct steps, a
pathway, lighting, music, structures to hold up some sections, and an entrance
and exit tunnel. It was named after the location where Zeus is said to have
chained Prometheus in Greek mythology.
The Prometheus Cave is said to be the longest cave in Europe. Virtually
invisible because of the mountains, it is not until visitors enter the cave do
they realise how large it is – and how impressive.
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