Huge Stalactite Cave Discovered Near Gush Etzion

Construction workers southwest of Jerusalem have discovered a huge stalactite cave located near the Tzur Hadassah community, on the western side of Gush Etzion.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has not disclosed the exact location because of dangers of entering the area. Officials also want to take step to preserve and map the cave, which rivals the size of the Sorek cave, officially known as the Avshalom Cave, between Ramle and Beit Shemesh, southwest of Jerusalem.

Stalactite caves are formed when limestone rocks are slowly dissolved as rainwater seeps in through crevices of a cave, and the site at Sorek is one of Israel’s most popular natural wonders.

It was discovered in 1968 after an explosion carried out by a quarry.

The Sorek Stalactite Cave is approximately 100 yards long and maintains a temperature of 22 degrees C) all year. The stalactites are in a variety of mineral-based colors and are in endless shapes.