Jeita Grotto << JAY tah >> is the largest known cave system in Lebanon. It consists of two limestone caves—an upper cave and a lower cave—11 miles (18 kilometers) northeast of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The principal source of the Al-Kalb River flows through the lower cave. The river provides fresh drinking water for some of Beirut’s people. The caves wind underground for more than 5 1/2 miles (9 kilometers). Thousands of tourists visit the Jeita Grotto each year.
The lower cave was inhabited in prehistoric times. However, it was not rediscovered until 1836 and not explored until the 1870’s. The underground portion of the Al-Kalb River flows through the caverns over small waterfalls and rapids.
The upper cave, some 200 feet (60 meters) above the lower, was found in 1958. The dry upper cave has magnificent rock formations and many majestic chambers for visitors to explore. One of the world’s largest stalactites (hanging limestone rock formations) extends 27 feet (8.2 meters) from the roof of one of the chambers.
