The Stalactites Cave (Me’arat HaNetifim), also known as the Soreq Cave, is a carstic cave that is situated on the western slopes of the Judean Mountains, near the city of Bet Shemesh. The Stalactites Cave was created by the trickling of rain water that has dissolved the limestone, and it includes all existing stalactites formations, some of which have been dated as 300,000 years old at least. The cave’s sediments also create a variety of naturally occurring shapes. Many areas inside the Stalactites Cave are still active and the stalactites and stalagmites in it are still growing. The climb down into the Stalactites Cave goes through a 150 stairs and the views, as you can see, are magnificent.
by G. Anne Bassett 