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BEIRUT: Like a geode, one of those seemingly ordinary rocks that you crack open to reveal the crystals inside, the outward appearance of the tree-covered mountain containing Jeita Grotto belies the beauty hidden within.
Entering the mountain’s cave reveals immense limestone formations that have been created, drop by drop, over tens of thousands of years.The Jeita Grotto, which sits just 30 minutes north of Beirut in the valley of Nahr al-Kalb, offers visitors the chance to explore a subterranean wonderland without ropes or headlamps.
The family-friendly site has two caves totaling 9 kilometers in length, though only a fraction of this is accessible to visitors.
Entering the upper cave, the air feels thicker, damp and cool. Massive stalagmites rise from the ground toward jagged stalactites.
The walkway through the cave weaves around stalagmites, affording visitors amazing views of the artfully lit stone.
The formations look like melted wax or soap. Some look covered in sugar, others in snowflakes. Like watching clouds, objects begin appearing in the rocks. There are jellyfish next to mushrooms and coral and immense pipe organs.
