Dim Cave is located in the Alanya district of Antalya province, Turkey. It is situated on the eastern slope of the Dim River Valley and the western slope of Cebel-i Reis Mountain. The cave lies at an altitude of 232 meters above sea level and is approximately 11 kilometers from the center of Alanya.
Discovered by the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) in 1986, Dim Cave was opened to visitors in September 1998 after necessary arrangements were made. On October 24, 2002, the cave was accepted as a member of the International Show Caves Association (ISCA). With this recognition, Dim Cave became the first and only cave in Turkey to be opened to tourism by a private enterprise and operated according to ISCA standards.
Historical and Geological Features
Dim Cave has been used as a shelter by humans in prehistoric and historical periods, earning it the local name "Gavurini Cave." It is estimated to be around one million years old. The total length of Dim Cave is 410 meters, with 360 meters open to tourism.
The cave measures 10 meters in width and 15 meters in height. It consists of four main chambers: Pamukkale Chamber, Org Chamber, Chandelier Chamber, and Lake Chamber. The cave features an abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, macaroni formations, and wall deposits, which continue to form today.
1. Stalactites: Formations hanging down from the cave ceiling.
2. Stalagmites: Structures rising upward from the cave floor.
3. Columns: Structures formed when stalactites and stalagmites merge over time.
4. Draperies (Flowstone): Shapes formed by water seeping along the walls or ceiling of the cave.
At the end of the cave, 17 meters deeper than the entrance, there is a lake with a surface area of 200 square meters. The temperature inside the cave remains constant at 18°C throughout the year.
Accessibility and Tourist Attraction
Dim Cave is located 12 kilometers east of Alanya, offering easy access for visitors. From the slope where the cave is situated, a panoramic view of Alanya Castle can be enjoyed. After touring the cave, visitors can walk to the Dim River Valley or hike up from the picnic areas along the Dim River.
