Jeita Grotto, Lebanon

The Jeita Grotto, 18 kilometres (11 miles) north of Beirut,is two interconnected limestone caves – an upper cave and a lower cave. The upper cave is 60 metres above the lower cave.

The upper cave was discovered in 1958 and is 2.1 kilometres long. Open to visitors is a section of almost one kilometre. It has the world’s largest known stalactite as well as stalagmites, columns, mushroom formations, ponds, and other crystallized structures.

The lower cave was discovered in 1836 and is 6.2 kilometres long. The lower cave was closed due to high water.

A cable car takes visitors into the cave and a train takes visitors back to the reception and car park.

Photographs are not permitted inside the cave.

MARTINA NICOLLSis an international aid and development consultant, and the authorof:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom(2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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