Keloğlan Cave

Keloğlan Cave is a natural cave located within the boundaries of Dodurgalar Village, Acıpayam District, Denizli Province, in Türkiye’s Aegean Region. The cave’s entrance coordinates are (Y:721339, X:4140982), determined according to the ED50 UTM 6° system. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1110 metres above sea level, the cave lies on the eastern slope of Karadağ, in an area known as “Keloğlanlar Yakası,” facing east. Due to its morphological, geological, and touristic values, the cave has been officially registered as a Natural Asset – Group B Cave and declared a Cave Protection Area by a ministerial decision in 2021.

^{Keloğlan Cave} (Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye)⁾

The cave is located approximately 5 kilometres from the Denizli-Antalya highway, on the eastern slope of Mallı Dağı, 3 kilometres west of Dodurgalar Village. It also lies on Karadağ, part of the Eşeler Dağı range situated southeast of the Acıpayam (Karaağaç) Plain. The region is part of the Western Mediterranean Taurus belt and is rich in karstic geomorphological features.

Keloğlan Cave was formed through karstification processes within limestone deposits dating to the Jurassic-Cretaceous period. The cave’s structure is highly fractured, a condition that accelerated karstic shaping and led to the development of rich speleothems inside, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, and wall formations. The cave consists of a single large gallery divided into various natural compartments, bounded by columns and presenting a rugged, irregular appearance. Travertine formations created by the accumulation of calcium carbonate-rich water dripping from the ceiling have added visual depth and scientific value to the cave.

The total length of the cave is 145 metres, with its height varying between 5–6 metres in different sections. It has a wide entrance, and its interior environment is characterized by high humidity and mild warmth. Measurements conducted in 1998 recorded an external air temperature of 32°C and an absolute humidity level of 65%. Due to these conditions, the cave has also attracted interest from individuals suffering from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis.

^{Keloğlan Cave (}Türkiye Culture Portal

Until 1990, Keloğlan Cave was known only to local shepherds and remained isolated from public use. Following studies initiated by the Denizli Governorship and Dodurgalar Municipality under the auspices of the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA), it was deemed suitable for tourism development. The cave’s pristine condition has been preserved due to its long period of isolation from human access.

In 2003, the cave was officially opened to visitors and became one of Türkiye’s publicly accessible caves. In the same year, a 3-kilometre asphalt road was constructed to improve access to the cave. Promotional campaigns through TRT and various private television channels attracted interest from both domestic and international tourists.

Upon entering the cave, visitors encounter a spacious gallery. Within this area, columns formed by the union of stalactites and stalagmites, pasta-like stalactites, delicate lace-like stalactites, and travertine formations can be observed. Large stalactites that have merged along fracture lines have formed natural walls, giving rise to chamber-like sections within the interior.

As part of the development project, illuminated walking paths have been installed inside the cave, and surveillance camera systems have been set up for safety purposes. A small colony of bats resides near the cave entrance. Additionally, various animal bones identified during preliminary studies are displayed within the interior.

Dodurgalar town and its surroundings are a region rich in cave formations, both due to their geographic location and natural structure. In addition to Keloğlan Cave, another cave known as Aslanlı İni exists in the area. The older section of this cave was declared a Third-Degree SIT Area in 1989, while its newer section remains awaiting development for tourism. The area surrounding the cave is close to a natural viewing terrace known as “Seyirlik,” offering panoramic views of the Acıpayam Plain and the surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors can reach the summit of Karadağ via a approximately 200-metre nature trail after their cave tour.

Keloğlan Cave was officially registered as a Natural Asset – Group B Cave and its protection area boundaries were defined under the Denizli Natural Assets Protection Regional Commission Decision dated 23.10.2020 and No. 649, and the Ministerial Decision dated 05.02.2021. This decision came into effect in accordance with Article 109, paragraph 1, subsection (b) of Presidential Decree No. 1 published in the Official Gazette No. 30474 on 10.07.2018.

The cave is managed by Dodurgalar Municipality and preserved as a public natural asset. Various infrastructure and orientation initiatives are being carried out to enhance access to natural areas in the region and promote ecological tourism.