by Denise Gabbard

Created on: January 20, 2011

Jeita Grotto Beirut

Years ago, when the original list of Seven Wonders of the World was written, many places that were equally as astonishing were left off. A project has been initiated to right that wrong, and many wonderful places are being recognized for their stunning beauty. Among the finalists for this year’s list is the Jeita Grotto in Beirut.

Located just 20 kilometers by highway north from the city of Beirut, the Jeita Grotto is an easy day trip from any Beirut hotel, and can be reached by bus, taxi, or hired car, and they can be found by following the signs from Zouk Mickael village, which is just past the tunnel.

These caverns house an underground river which is the source of the Dog River, which is the major source of water for most of the country, including your Beirut hotel. This underground river has helped form the crystallized caves that have been carved out beneath Mount Lebanon. Two levels are actually separate but linked caverns. The upper level can be seen on foot, and the lower one only by boat.

The lower gallery was discovered by an American missionary and spelunker staying in a Beirut hotel in 1836, but not opened to the public until 1958. It is serviced by an old fashioned boat. The opening of the upper gallery in 1969 was marked by orchestral concerts and other cultural events, which were held inside the cool environs of the cave. Both galleries were closed during the Lebanese civil war between 1975 and 1989. They have been reopened just since 1995 with new equipment and technology. Explorations into the cave since 1873 have found lots of unusual formations. “Hell’s Rapids” are falls with razor sharp rocks beneath them. “Maxwell’s Column” is a giant limestone pillar, and there are stalactite sections that look like flowing draperies. 

Plan on visiting during summer when you are sure to enjoy the cool and refreshing temperatures inside the caves and you needn’t worry about the lower galleries closing due to high water levels. This is a nice trip for any day, especially if rain keeps you away from your Beirut hotel pool.

You will need about two hours to tour the upper gallery by foot, take the subterranean boat ride through the lower galleries, and view the film presentation about Jeita Grotto. The upper level gives visitors a good taste of what the whole cave system looked like before geological events pushed the lower gallery and its river underground.   

Take some time to explore the caverns from the outside as well, by taking a ride on the cable car which hovers slowly overhead. In addition, a small train transports guests from one area to another, including the numerous souvenir shops which sell handmade Lebanese crafts and several snack bars and restaurants around the property. You can expect to return to your Beirut hotel tired but satisfied.

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