Natural stone arches and rock holes

The Prohodna Cave features two symmetrical openings in its ceiling where sunlight creates an optical effect in the limestone. These natural breakthroughs formed through erosion processes in the rock and represent one of Bulgaria's most notable examples of ceiling openings in caves. The two openings are often called the Eyes of God.

Troll Church is an extensive cave system formed through natural erosion that includes several underground chambers and vertical shafts developed over thousands of years through rock dissolution. This geological formation demonstrates the gradual transformation of rock structures through water erosion and chemical weathering, belonging to the category of natural openings that develop in various rock types. The cave system provides documentation of the ongoing geological processes through which water and time have carved passages and voids into the Norwegian bedrock.

This limestone formation rises 288 feet (88 meters) from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and exemplifies the collection's documentation of geological structures shaped by wave action and weathering to create natural passages. The formation is visible from the mainland and partially accessible on foot during low tide. Over millions of years, marine erosion forces have carved this structure from Mesozoic-era rock, with continued action of seawater and climatic conditions creating the characteristic opening through the limestone.

The Azure Window was a natural limestone formation on the coast of Gozo that reached a height of 92 feet (28 meters) before collapsing in March 2017. This prominent rock arch formed through centuries of erosion of the limestone bedrock and constituted one of Malta's most recognized geological features in this collection of natural stone arches and rock holes. The structure rose directly from the Mediterranean Sea and created a natural opening in the rock face. The collapse occurred during a storm and marked the end of this formation, which previously served as a popular destination for visitors and divers.

This natural stone bridge spans Cave Creek and displays geological characteristics shaped by millions of years of erosion. Water has carved through the rock over extended periods, creating a passage that now forms part of this collection of geological openings and arches. The formation integrates into the landscape and allows visitors to observe the natural processes that create such structures. The bridge sits in a region where ongoing weathering continues to modify the rock.

This 200-foot (60-meter) limestone arch rises along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural formation developed over thousands of years as ocean currents eroded softer rock, leaving the harder limestone structure exposed. Durdle Door represents one of several geological features along this coastline, where rock layers from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods are visible. The surrounding shore displays additional erosion patterns including coves and sea stacks. This formation illustrates the ongoing geological processes that create natural arches and openings in rock.

The Faraglioni Rocks rise as three distinct limestone formations up to 360 feet (109 meters) from the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Capri coast. These natural stone arches formed through progressive erosion of the marine bedrock over millennia and represent a characteristic example of Mediterranean coastal geology. The middle rock features a natural passage that can be navigated by boat.

This coastal rock wall opening in the Eastern Cape formed through several thousand years of wave erosion that carved a passage through the rock face. The formation sits directly on the Indian Ocean, where water and wind continue to flow through the rock wall. Hole in the Wall is located in a remote coastal stretch of the Wild Coast, a region with undeveloped beaches and steep cliffs. The rock portal marks a distinctive point along this shoreline where tides and ocean currents continue shaping the landscape. This natural arch formation demonstrates the ongoing geological processes that modify rock structures worldwide through erosion.

This limestone hill along the Li River has been shaped by erosion to resemble the silhouette of an elephant. A natural rock arch at the base of the formation creates the appearance of a trunk reaching down to the water. The structure stands about 150 feet (45 meters) high and consists of Paleozoic limestone carved by the river over several millennia. A cave formed between the arch and the main rock body is visible from the water during boat trips on the Li River. Elephant Trunk Hill belongs to a collection of geological formations with natural stone arches and rock openings shaped by erosion processes over millions of years.

These natural stone arches formed over thousands of years through constant erosion by desert winds, demonstrating the geological processes documented in this collection of natural rock openings. Las Ventanas is located in San Juan Province in the Argentine Andes, where dry climatic conditions and strong winds have shaped the sandstone formations. The openings carved into the rock walls resemble windows, giving the site its name. The arches are situated in a remote region characterized by sparse vegetation and a landscape shaped by geological processes.

This natural rock formation features a circular opening 46 feet (14 meters) in diameter and rises above the administrative building of the Navajo Nation. The sandstone rock was shaped over millions of years by wind and water erosion and now serves as the emblem of the Navajo government. The geological structure consists of red sandstone from the Entrada Formation and displays typical erosion patterns of the region. Window Rock has served as the namesake for the capital of the Navajo Nation since 1936 and symbolizes the connection between traditional culture and modern administration. This rock formation exemplifies the same geological processes that have shaped other natural stone arches and rock openings worldwide.

This volcanic cave in Oregon formed through basalt lava flows and displays three natural openings in the ceiling that allow daylight to penetrate. The geological formation sits within Newberry National Volcanic Monument approximately 14 miles (22 kilometers) south of Bend. The cave extends several hundred feet in length, with the three light shafts created by the collapse of portions of the lava tube ceiling. The basalt developed thousands of years ago during volcanic activity and formed these underground passages with their distinctive light apertures.

This natural limestone cave along the Black Sea coast demonstrates how geological forces have carved openings and cavities into rock formations. Golitsyn Grotto formed through thousands of years of erosion of the limestone by seawater and wind. A 260-foot (80-meter) artificial tunnel leads to a grotto with acoustic properties. In the late 19th century, Prince Golitsyn established a wine cellar in this cavity and used the space for musical performances. The formation is located on the southern coast of Crimea and is accessible from the sea.

The Pravčická brána is a sandstone bridge in Bohemian Switzerland National Park that formed through erosion over millions of years. This geological monument measures 52 feet in height and spans 85 feet. A marked hiking trail passes directly beneath the arch and provides access to this formation, recognized as Europe's largest natural sandstone bridge, documenting the ongoing processes through which water and weathering carve openings and arches into rock layers.

This natural red sandstone arch in Valley of Fire State Park rises to a height of 40 feet (12 meters). Arch Rock was formed by wind and water erosion over thousands of years and displays characteristic weathering patterns of Navajo sandstone. The formation lies along the park's hiking trails and ranks among the geological structures that have made the area known for its sandstone formations.

These grottoes of Rosh Hanikra extend for 660 feet (200 meters) along the coastline and were shaped by marine erosion into the white limestone. They belong to the natural stone arches and rock holes where sea water has carved tunnels and chambers into the rock over thousands of years. Turquoise water flows through the interconnected cavities and reflects light on the white walls. Visitors can access the grottoes via a cable car that descends from the cliff to sea level.

This limestone formation in Lagos displays natural arches, freestanding pillars, and a system of sea caves formed through mechanical and chemical erosion by the Atlantic Ocean over thousands of years. The rock structures rise up to 65 feet (20 meters) above sea level and create narrow passages and open caves accessible by boat during calm seas. These structures document the ongoing geological processes shaping the Portuguese coastline.

Wharariki Beach lies at the western end of the South Island and features natural rock arches and sea stacks shaped by constant wind and wave action on the sandstone formations. These coastal structures formed over thousands of years through marine erosion and represent some of the region's notable geological features. At low tide, visitors can walk through several caves and natural passages, while the Archway Islands and other rock formations become visible in the ocean. The currents and tides at this section of coastline are strong. This beach demonstrates the ongoing erosion processes that have created stone arches and rock openings elsewhere, from the limestone cliffs along England's Jurassic Coast to the wind-carved sandstone landscapes in Argentina's Andes.

The sandstone formation at Grand Portal Point displays caves and arches along the Lake Superior shoreline. Erosion from lake water has shaped these structures over millions of years from rock layers dating to the Cambrian period. The formation extends across a section of the cliff face within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and is accessible both by boat and through hiking trails. Grand Portal Point belongs to a collection of geological formations where erosion processes have created openings and passages through rock.

Aloba Arch spans approximately 250 feet (76 meters) in width and reaches around 400 feet (122 meters) in height in the remote Ennedi Plateau of the Sahara. This stone arch formed through erosion processes in the sandstone formations of Chad and ranks among the largest natural rock arches on Earth. The formation stands isolated in a desert landscape with sparse vegetation, documenting the geological forces that have carved openings and arches into various rock formations over millions of years.

Sikati Cave is a geological rock formation with a natural roof opening. Limestone erosion led to the partial collapse of the upper rock layer, creating a cave with an exposed cavity measuring approximately 131 feet (40 meters) in diameter. Daylight enters through the roof opening into the interior space. This formation belongs to the karst structures of Greece and illustrates the geological processes through which water and time have altered limestone rock over extended periods, as seen in natural stone arches and rock openings worldwide.

This cave in the Western Australian desert region displays over 450 rock paintings from different periods and demonstrates the geological processes that formed this natural opening in granite. The hand stencils and symbols of Noongar culture cover the walls and ceiling of the rock formation. The name Mulka refers to a figure from Aboriginal Dreamtime tradition. The cave lies in Dryandra State Forest and can be reached via a short walking trail from the parking area. The paintings were applied to the granite surfaces using iron oxide and charcoal. The site is protected by local communities and the national park administration.

This natural rock overhang extends across the hiking trail between Waltensburg/Vuorz and Breil/Brigels in the Graubünden Alps. Erosion has carved a sheltering opening in the rock over time, offering hikers protection from the elements. From this point, views open toward the surrounding valleys and mountain slopes of the region. The formation sits along a traditional connecting route between the two villages and forms part of the regional geology of the Bündner Schist mountains.

This natural stone arch spans 200 feet (60 meters) across the Ardèche River south of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. The formation developed through thousands of years of river erosion as water cut through a limestone promontory, creating a passage with a clearance of 180 feet (54 meters). The arch marks the entrance to the Ardèche Gorge, a 19-mile (30-kilometer) river section that has carved through Mesozoic limestone deposits. The surrounding area contains several cave systems, including the nearby Chauvet Cave with prehistoric wall paintings. This formation demonstrates ongoing geological processes as river water continues to act on the rock during spring floods. The arch stands within a protected natural zone that preserves the Ardèche limestone geology, where river erosion combines with karst formation to create a network of caves and rock openings.

Dyrhólaey is a natural arch and headland on Iceland's southern coast, formed from volcanic basalt rock. This formation developed through thousands of years of ocean erosion that carved an opening through the rock large enough for small boats to pass through during calm conditions. The arch rises approximately 394 feet (120 meters) above sea level and marks the southernmost point of Iceland's mainland. The surrounding terrain provides nesting grounds for puffins during breeding season and viewing points over the region's black sand beaches shaped by volcanic activity. This coastal formation adds to the collection of geological structures where water and wind have created passages and arches through various rock types over extended time periods.

This natural rock arch rises where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, formed through millennia of marine erosion. The Arch of Cabo San Lucas stands at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and consists of layered granite rock that has been breached by wave action and tidal forces. The formation creates a recognizable passage between the open ocean and coastal waters, marking the geographical transition between two bodies of water. The rock displays ongoing erosion processes that have been active at this exposed coastal position for millions of years.

This natural arch rises from the Pacific Ocean along the coast of Antofagasta Province, demonstrating the ongoing erosive action of waves on andesite rock. La Portada formed over thousands of years as ocean movements carved an opening through the volcanic formation. The arch reaches approximately 141 feet (43 meters) in height and creates a prominent coastal rock formation among the region's geological landmarks. This coastal structure records the same erosion processes that shape other rock arches in the collection, standing as an example of natural stone formations created by marine erosion.

This sandstone arch in Arches National Park rises 60 feet (18 meters) above the Colorado Plateau and consists of Entrada Sandstone dating to the Jurassic period. Erosion over millions of years carved the opening through the rock layer. Delicate Arch stands as one of over 2,000 cataloged arches in the park and demonstrates the ongoing weathering from wind, water, and temperature variations. This formation belongs to those natural structures where erosion processes have created openings and passages through various rock types across different environments.

This arch is one of the world's longest natural stone arches, spanning 290 feet (88 meters) through red Entrada Sandstone in the Devils Garden section of Arches National Park. The arch stands as an example of ongoing erosion by wind and temperature changes over millions of years, with its narrowest section now measuring only 6 feet (2 meters) thick. A rockfall in 1991 dropped large fragments from its underside, revealing the arch's continued structural weakening. Visitors can observe the arch via a 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) trail from the parking area, though direct access to its base has been closed since 1995 due to falling rock hazards.

This natural limestone arch in Guangxi Province formed over millions of years through water erosion and weathering processes. The Xianren Bridge demonstrates the ongoing geological forces that create cavities and passages through limestone layers as underground water flows and atmospheric conditions work on the rock. As part of this collection of geological arch formations, it shows the transformative processes that shape coastal arches and desert openings in various environments worldwide. The formation stands in a region characterized by karst terrain, where soluble rock has developed distinctive landscape features.

This natural stone arch in the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture presents one of the highest known stone arches in the world. Shipton's Arch rises approximately 1200 feet (365 meters) above the ground and spans an opening roughly 200 feet (60 meters) wide. The arch sits in a remote area of the Tian Shan mountains in western Xinjiang, demonstrating the power of erosive forces in this arid mountain landscape. The formation consists of limestone shaped by hundreds of thousands of years of weathering and erosion. Access requires a multi-hour hike through rugged terrain at elevations exceeding 8200 feet (2500 meters).

This natural arch rises from the chalk cliffs of Étretat along the Alabaster Coast of Normandy, illustrating ongoing erosion by ocean waves and weathering. The approximately 230-foot (70-meter) formation creates a distinct passage through limestone rock that deposited during the Cretaceous period about 90 million years ago. The geological layers of Aval Cliff reveal marine sediments that compacted over millions of years before tectonic uplift brought them above sea level. The Atlantic Ocean continues to shape this structure, creating new openings and caves in the porous limestone. The site lies within the coastal landscape affected by the English Channel, where tidal forces accelerate erosion processes.

This natural land bridge connects the Peloponnese to mainland Greece, spanning 4 miles (6.3 kilometers) at its narrowest point. The Isthmus of Corinth consists of sedimentary rock layers formed over millennia through tectonic activity and erosion. People recognized the strategic importance of this formation since ancient times, and in 1893 a canal was cut through the rock, linking the Aegean Sea to the Gulf of Corinth. The steep rock walls of the canal reach heights up to 300 feet (91 meters), exposing various geological strata that document millions of years of Earth's history.

This natural sandstone bridge in Rainbow Bridge National Monument ranks among the tallest stone arches in the world, spanning an opening of 275 feet (84 meters) at a height of 290 feet (88 meters). The monument occupies a remote area in southern Utah near the Arizona border, where erosive forces have carved this formation from Triassic Navajo Sandstone over millions of years. The bridge was originally part of a rock wall through which a stream carved a passage before the watercourse shifted. The location is accessible via Lake Powell but requires a boat journey of several miles or an extended hike through desert terrain. The formation displays typical characteristics of erosion in arid climates, where wind and occasional water flows shape the porous rock over geologic time periods.

This show cave in the Shenandoah Valley formed through the dissolving action of underground water flows on limestone layers. The caverns beneath Natural Bridge contain cave formations created by centuries of mineral deposition processes. Underground passages and chambers display the geological forces that continue to reshape the bedrock of the region. The cave offers guided tours through illuminated passages where visitors can observe the various stages of cave formation.

This state beach near Santa Cruz preserves three natural rock arches formed from sandstone and siltstone through ocean wave action. The largest formation spans approximately 100 feet (30 meters) and creates a passable opening at low tide. The protected area covers 65 acres (26 hectares) along Monterey Bay and demonstrates active erosion processes that continue reshaping these geological structures. The beach serves as an example of coastal arch formation within this collection of natural stone openings shaped by geological forces.