The Caves of Heaven and Hell (Cennet ve Cehennem Mağaraları) are two impressive sinkholes located in Mersin, Türkiye. Formed through natural geological processes, these caves have been popularized for their mythological significance and breathtaking beauty. Here’s an overview of what makes each of them unique and some tips for visitors:
Heaven Cave (Cennet Mağarası)
The Heaven Cave, known as Cennet Mağarası, is a massive sinkhole with a lush, green interior, symbolizing its paradisiacal namesake. This sinkhole is about 250 meters deep, and to reach the cave’s entrance, visitors must descend nearly 450 stone steps.
Inside the cave, you’ll find a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, constructed in the 5th century AD. This Byzantine chapel adds a mystical ambiance to the site. The natural beauty, combined with ancient architecture and historical context, makes Heaven Cave a truly enchanting destination.
Tips for Visiting the Caves of Heaven and Hell
- Wear comfortable shoes: The 450-step descent and ascent can be strenuous, so comfortable, non-slip footwear is recommended.
- Bring water: The climb back up can be challenging, especially in the warmer months, so staying hydrated is essential.
- Photography: The cave’s lighting and unique formations make for amazing photos, so bring a good camera if possible.
Hell Cave (Cehennem Mağarası)
The Hell Cave, or Cehennem Mağarası, is smaller than the Heaven Cave, but its steep, rocky walls are symbolic of its ominous namesake. The cave is around 128 meters deep and is significantly narrower, with walls that prevent easy access into the depths.
Unlike the Heaven Cave, visitors cannot enter the Hell Cave itself due to safety reasons. However, there is a viewing platform above, allowing visitors to look down into its dark depths. This restriction has only heightened its eerie and mystical reputation, making it an interesting contrast to the Heaven Cave.
Tips for Visiting
- Viewing Platforms: These provide a safe way to peer into the Hell Cave without risk, but be prepared for a different experience than Heaven Cave, as there’s no direct access.
- Plan ahead: Since you cannot enter the Hell Cave, it’s a shorter stop, so plan to spend more time in the Heaven Cave.
Mythology and Legends of The Caves of Heaven and Hell
The Caves of Heaven and Hell are not just geological wonders; they are intertwined with ancient mythology that paints them as battlegrounds of divine forces and immortal beings. According to ancient Greek mythology, these caves are closely associated with the monstrous giant Typhon, a fearsome creature said to be the deadliest being in Greek mythology.
Typhon: The Monster of Chaos
Typhon was the son of Gaia (Earth) and Tartarus (the depths of the underworld), created to challenge the supremacy of the Olympian gods. Described as a colossal creature with hundreds of serpent heads, each spouting venom and fire, Typhon was feared by both mortals and gods alike. In his rage, Typhon ascended Mount Olympus, seeking to overthrow Zeus and reign as the king of gods.
A brutal battle ensued between Zeus and Typhon, with storms, lightning bolts, and earthquakes shaking the heavens and the earth. Typhon managed to overpower Zeus briefly, stripping him of his tendons and imprisoning him. However, with the help of Hermes and Pan, Zeus regained his strength and continued the epic struggle, eventually overpowering Typhon in a climactic battle.
The Heaven Cave: A Hidden Refuge
The Heaven Cave (Cennet Mağarası) is said to represent the paradise-like landscape where Zeus temporarily hid Typhon, imprisoning him beneath the earth to prevent his resurgence. In myth, this verdant and fertile sinkhole mirrors the sanctuaries created by Zeus to contain chaos and preserve peace. Ancient stories recount how the cave’s lush, green surroundings symbolize life and harmony, a sanctuary that offered a brief respite from Typhon’s wrath. Some versions even suggest that Zeus chose this verdant enclosure as a temporary holding place before ultimately driving Typhon to a more permanent prison.
Within the Heaven Cave stands an ancient chapel, believed by some to be a sacred site constructed to honor divine victories over evil. The chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has stood for centuries, blending Christian reverence with the region’s deeper mythological roots, making it a place of both historical and spiritual significance.
The Hell Cave: An Infernal Prison
In contrast, the Hell Cave (Cehennem Mağarası) is a representation of Typhon’s darker prison, a place symbolic of chaos and eternal confinement. With its narrow, steep walls and unyielding depths, the cave is a natural embodiment of despair and punishment. Myth tells that Zeus finally trapped Typhon here, far from the mortal world and bound under layers of rock, where he could do no more harm.
In mythology, the Hell Cave embodies Tartarus itself, a realm of endless darkness and suffering. It is said that Zeus placed Typhon here not just to contain him but to make him a lesson to any who dared to challenge the gods. Ancient visitors believed that Typhon’s roars could still be heard from the cave’s depths, rumbling the earth in anger and defeat. Today, while one cannot descend into the Hell Cave itself, its foreboding presence and the eerie atmosphere around it are a haunting reminder of its mythical past.
Cultural Legacy
The story of the Caves of Heaven and Hell transcends mere geological formations, transforming them into timeless symbols of the battle between order and chaos, good and evil. Over the centuries, the caves have inspired countless legends and stories, with locals adding their own variations. Some believe that the caves represent a gateway to another realm, a place where the boundaries between earth and the underworld blur.
The Caves of Heaven and Hell have become pilgrimage sites for those fascinated by mythology, and many visitors claim to feel a sense of the divine, especially when standing at the edge of the Hell Cave, peering down into the shadows where one of mythology’s greatest monsters was once confined.
Getting There to Heaven and Hell Caves
Located near the town of Silifke in Mersin, the Caves of Heaven and Hell are easily accessible by car from Mersin city center, roughly an hour’s drive. There are buses and organized tours that also operate from major cities in Türkiye, making it a convenient day-trip option.
How Much is The Cave of Heaven and Hell?
You can buy museum card online and enter the caves. I strongly recommend you use museum pass because you can use it nearly every museum in Turkey.
Best Time to Visit The Caves of Heaven and Hell
The caves can be visited year-round, but spring and autumn are ideal due to milder temperatures. Summer can be hot, which makes the climb out of the Heaven Cave more challenging.
These caves offer a unique glimpse into Türkiye’s natural beauty and ancient mythology, making them a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. If you ar into natural beauties, You should check Pamukkale.