One day in 1968, quarry workers using explosives came across an underground cave full of stalactites. This cave, called Soreq Cave or Avshalom Cave, is located near the city of Beit Shemesh and open to visitors. The cave is 82 meters long and 60 meters wide. The stalagmites and stalactites date to as far back as 300,000 years!
Before you enter the cave, you will see a short film and be treated to an explanation from a guide. Then you will access the cave by descending 150 stairs, about a 10 minute walk. The view while walking down the stairs is fabulous, and there are fun signs posted at intervals. Strollers cannot be brought into the cave.
A visit to the cave is a fantastic way to spend a hot summer day, as it gets you out of the heat for a while. And if you visit in the winter, especially on a rainy day, you’ll get to see water splashing to the cave floor and glistening there.
The cave’s lighting, electricity and infrastructure were renovated in 2012. Watch this video to see the report (as well as gorgeous footage from the cave):