Gilindire Cave, Nature park and show cave in Aydincik, Turkey
Gilindire Cave is a large cavern extending about 555 meters into the mountain, with limestone formations, columns, and a substantial underground lake featuring mirror-like water surfaces. The cave contains diverse zones with varying geological features throughout its depth.
A shepherd discovered the cave by chance in 1999. It was declared a Natural Monument in 2013 and then opened to the public in 2014.
The name comes from the ancient port city of Kelenderis, which held importance during Roman times in the Mediterranean region. This historical connection becomes tangible as visitors walk through the cave and sense its link to the classical past.
To reach the cave entrance, visitors descend approximately 567 metal steps into the mountain. The temperature inside stays constant at about 20-21 degrees Celsius year-round.
The underground lake stretches about 140 meters and reaches depths of up to 47 meters. What makes it remarkable is that the water contains both fresh and salt water sections, an unusual feature for a cave within a mountain.
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