Few caverns in the world approach the magnificent and astonishing wealth of the extent of those of Jeita, as raindrops of more than hundreds thousands years have worked a magic wonder in creating cathedral-like vaults beneath the wooded hills of Mount Lebanon. It is now considered one of the world's most beautiful and astonishing natural caverns. Discovered in 1863 by an American hunter, the caves originally opened in 1958 and became internationally known for the spectacular and sometimes macabre contortions of stalactites and stalagmites, stone curtains and columns. With their fantastic rock formations, the caves have attracted visitors since the site was reopened to the public in July 1995.
The caverns is on two levels: the lower caverns is visited by boat over a subterranean lake 623 meters long, while a dry upper gallery can be seen on foot. The upper gallery has been designed to include a series of walkways without disturbing the natural landscape.
As explained in my earlier posting, our group was not fortunate enough to see the lower cavern due to rising waters. Perhaps I would be able to visit the lower caverns some time in the future. My own perception of the Jeita Grotto is that it is indeed one of the wonders of mother nature. The stalactites and stalagmites formation over the last hundred centuries are something to be awed and should be painstakingly preserved for future generations.
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