The Stalactite Cave (Soreq Cave, Me’arat HaNetifim) is a spectacular underground world of stalactites and stalagmites in the Judean hills, 20 minutes west of Jerusalem. Discovered accidentally in 1968 during quarrying operations, the cave contains an extraordinary collection of cave formations (speleothems) that have been growing for over 300,000 years, making it one of the finest show caves in the Middle East.
The Discovery
A dynamite blast in the Hartuv quarry in 1968 broke through the ceiling of an unknown chamber, revealing a pristine cave that had been sealed from the outside world for hundreds of thousands of years. The cave was immediately recognized as significant, and the quarrying was stopped. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority developed the cave as a nature reserve, installing walkways, lighting, and climate controls to protect the delicate formations.
Formations
The cave contains stalactites (hanging from the ceiling), stalagmites (rising from the floor), columns (where stalactites and stalagmites have met), curtains (thin, wavy sheets of stone), flowstone, and soda straws (thin, hollow tubes of calcite). Some formations are pure white; others are tinted orange, yellow, or brown by iron and manganese minerals in the water. The variety and density of the formations are remarkable: the cave is relatively small (approximately 5,000 square meters) but packed with features.
Climate
The cave maintains a constant temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and nearly 100% humidity year-round. The formations continue to grow, albeit slowly: stalactites grow at a rate of approximately one centimeter per 100 years. The cave’s climate is carefully monitored, and visitor numbers are controlled to prevent damage from body heat and carbon dioxide.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
The Stalactite Cave is a 40-minute underground tour that reveals 300,000 years of geological art. Hoshen Tours includes it as a stop between Jerusalem and the Shephelah.