Quri Qala Cave, Natural cave in Ravansar County, Iran
Quri Qala is a limestone cave system that stretches through the Shaho mountain range, with multiple chambers connected by passages and underground streams. The rooms vary in size and shape, and water flows through different levels creating natural features throughout.
The cave served as a sacred place during the Sassanian period, with archaeological evidence showing it was occupied and used for trade and ritual purposes. Artifacts from different periods suggest people visited and valued this location over many centuries.
The name refers to an ancient sacred site, and visitors can still see religious symbols carved into the walls of the inner chambers. The space was used for ceremonies, which is evident in how the rooms are arranged and decorated.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when paths and stairs are easier to navigate safely. Bring sturdy shoes and a light jacket, as the interior stays cool and damp year-round.
The cave is home to a prehistoric salamander species typically found only in eastern Europe, surviving here in the cool darkness far below the surface. This unexpected discovery reveals how certain creatures can thrive in isolated underground worlds.
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