Gilindir Cave in Mersin opened for visitors

The Gilindir Cave, also known as the Ainalygöl Cave (mirrored lake), is located 7.5 km southeast of the Aydınjk (Silifke) area, between Cape Sanjak and Kurtini Creek. The cave, the entrance to which is facing the sea, can be reached by land and by sea. 8-10 years ago, the cave was discovered by shepherd absolutely by accident.

The Gilindir Cave, which has a total length of 351 meters, is a horizontal cave. Located right on the edge of one of the most beautiful bays of the Mediterranean, the cave Gilindir is covered with drop-like formations of all kinds. These drop-like stones, which reach gigantic size and are extremely beautiful in appearance, divided the main gallery into many halls and rooms. The cave has a large lake, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, walls, mounted droppers and cave needles, forming islets at the edge of the lake.

Some parts of the main gallery are inhabited by bats. In addition, the coves around the cave, which can be reached by sea and land, are the habitat of a Mediterranean monk seal.

It is assumed that the submarine formations predate global climate change and store all hydrological and atmospheric data from the previous ice age. Due to these features, the Gilindir cave is the only evidence of recent climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean. Due to these features, the cave is considered unique to geologists and is a natural laboratory.