Venture into the heart of the Judean Hills and witness a realm where nature has orchestrated a symphony of stone formations over the course of hundreds of thousands of years. Welcome to the Stalactite Cave, also known as Soreq Cave.
An Enchanting Journey Through Time
Nestled within the Judean Mountains, the Soreq Stalactite cave offers an ethereal experience that transports you to a world replete with natural sculptures. The cavern’s ceiling is adorned with rods of varying sizes, reminiscent of icicles, massive carrots, twisting octopus tentacles, and even elephant trunks. These magnificent formations arise from countless years of mineral-rich water drops leaving behind rock residues. From the ground, they’re met by 30-foot tall sandcastles, spiraling rock towers, and wavy structures resembling coral reefs or cauliflower heads.
Lighting – An Art and Science at the Stalactite Cave
Recently, an ecological revamp introduced a mesmerizing lighting system to the cave. With the ambiance oscillating between glowing amber, midnight blue, and emerald circles, visitors experience a spectrum of colors that makes the 50,000-square-foot cave appear almost hallucinogenic. This magical transformation, makes the cave seem like it’s alive and breathing.
However, aesthetics wasn’t the primary purpose of this lighting alteration. The chief goal was ecological conservation. To combat the threat of algae growth due to photosynthesis triggered by white lights, a specific color spectrum was chosen. The science behind it suggests that by avoiding traditional white lights and focusing on LED lights in certain hues, the growth of algae can be inhibited. It’s the park’s latest strategy to preserve the cave’s pristine environment and its rich amber, brown, rust, and white formations.
The Cave’s Rich History and Significance
Discovered serendipitously in 1968 during quarry work, the Soreq Cave has since then captured the attention of many. Named after the Soreq Valley and Avshalom Shoham, an Israeli soldier who lost his life in the War of Attrition, this cave has not only become a significant tourist attraction but also a critical point of paleoclimate research. Such studies have shed light on the region’s semi-arid climate over the last 185,000 years.
A Visual Feast for Visitors of Stalactite Cave.
Every corner of the Stalactite cave is a test for visitors. Some see the U.S. Capitol, while others find images of the Lion King, or even as whimsical as an ice cream cone. Lighting designer Micha Margalit’s work ensures that visitors are always met with a resounding ‘Wow’ when they step in.
The cave’s stalactites, some reaching a length of four meters, and stalagmites offer a view of the past, with some dating back 300,000 years. Popular formations like the “pillar,” “elephant’s ears,” “sculptures garden,” “macaroni field,” and the endearing “Romeo and Juliette” capture the imagination of all.
Experience the Magnificence First-Hand
Set against the backdrop of the city of Bet Shemesh and the quarries that led to its discovery, the Stalactite Cave awaits to awe you with its grandeur. From the exterior observation areas offering expansive views to the intricately detailed interiors, this private tour of the Judean Hills promises an experience like no other.
Join us as we delve deep into nature’s artwork of the Stalactite cave, preserved and showcased in the heart of Israel’s beautiful landscape.