Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

Major Centers of Interest

• Outside Observation Area – east/west view, to the city of Bet Shemesh and the active quarries. The cave was discovered thanks to the work of these quarries.
• Inside Observation Area – view of the vast cavern, the shapes of stalactites and stalagmites and the special artificial lighting.
• Spectacular Stalactite and Stalagmite Shapes, among them the “grandfather” of the cave, the “elephant ears” column, the sculptures garden and the “macaroni field”.

Particulars of the major centers of interest:

• Outside Observation Area – the outside observation area is close to and outside the opening of the cave. It provides a view of the extent of the Nature Reserve, towards extensive parts of the Judea plain, among them the city of Bet Shemesh. In good visibility conditions it is even possible to see as far as the city of Ashdod. At the foot of the observation area is the quarry whose work exposed the cave some decades ago.
• Observation Area Inside the Cave – at the front of the cave there is an observation area providing an overall view of the vast cavern. The raised platform gives a panoramic view of the variety of shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites and the special artificial lighting illuminating parts of the cave in lively colors.
• Spectacular Stalactite and Stalagmite Shapes – the cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites, which accompany the visitors all along the route. Among others, there are the “pillar”, the “elephant’s ears”, the “sculptures garden”, the “macaroni field”, “Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs”, “Romeo and Juliette” – a stalactite and stalagmite that are almost, but not quite, kissing each other, and many others.