Chasm of Cennet, Sinkhole in Silifke, Turkey
The Chasm of Cennet is a large, oval-shaped sinkhole near Silifke in southern Turkey, formed by underground water slowly dissolving the limestone below the surface. Stone steps lead from the rim down to the floor, where a small church and a cave containing an underground river can be found.
The Cennet sinkhole formed over thousands of years as underground limestone dissolved. A Christian church was built at its base in the 5th century, while the surrounding area already held Greek and Hellenistic temple ruins from an earlier period.
At the bottom of the Cennet sinkhole stands a small church from the 5th century, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. At its entrance, four lines of an old inscription still name its founder, Paulus.
The stone staircase leading to the floor of the sinkhole is steep and can be slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site sits in a dry, open area with little shade, making a morning visit more comfortable.
Inside the cave at the base of the sinkhole, you can hear an underground river flowing before you ever see it. That water travels through the cave system and eventually reaches the Mediterranean Sea.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
