|
|
| |
welcome to Jeita
Grotto |
|
|
|
|
Few caverns
in the world approach the astounding wealth or the extent of
those of Jeita. In these caves and galleries, known to man since
Paleolithic times, the action of water has created cathedral-like
vaults beneath the wooded hills of Mount Lebanon.
 |
Geologically,
the caves provide a tunnel or escape route for the underground
river, which is the principal source of the Nar el-Kalb
(Dog River). Located some 20 kilometers along the highway
North of Beirut, a large sign indicates the right turn
from Zouk Mickael village, just beyond the tunnel. The
caverns are on two levels. The lower galleries, discovered
in 1836 and opened to the public in 1958, are visited
by boat.
|
|
The upper
galleries, opened in January 1969, can be seen on foot. To mark
the inauguration of the upper galleries, arranged by the Lebanese
artist and sculptor Ghassan Klink, a concert was organized in
the cave featuring electronic music by the French composer François
Bayle. Other cultural events have taken place in this unusual
venue, including a concert by the German composer Carl-Heinrich
Stochhausen in November 1969.
Jeita remained a popular attraction until the recent Lebanese
conflict forced it to close in the mid 1970’s. Upon the
initiative of Minister of Tourism Nicolas Fattouche, the Ministry
charged the German company "Mapas" to renovate and
re-equip its facilities by the most modern techniques and to
operate the complex. On July 6, 1995, this natural wonder was
again open to the public. |
 |
The modern discovery of the underground river of Jeita
dates to 1836 and is attributed to Reverend William Thomson,
an American missionary who ventured some 50 meters into
the cave. Reaching the underground river, he fired a shot
from his gun and the resulting echoes convinced him that
he had found a cavern of major importance.
For more info please visit:
Ministry
of Tourism
|
|
|
|
