Soreq Cave & Avshalom Reserve
The Soreq Cave is the central feature of the Avshalom
Reserve and a popular stop for adventurous tourists. Located approximately
12 miles west of Jerusalem along the road out of Ein Kerem, the caves lie in the western slopes
of the Judean Hills. Averaging about two hundred feet in both length
and width and totaling about an acre in area, Soreq (Sorek) is Israel's
largest cave.
In 1968, a blast to lossen rock in the Har-Tuv Quarry
revealed an underground world of beauty, the Soreq Cave. The explosion
opened a new crack into the world beneath. The stalactites were formed
about 5 million years ago. The cave is approximately 8-25 million years
out and the rocks are approximately 80-100 millions years old. Seven
years after it's discovery, the cave was opened on March 16, 1975.
Also called: Stalactite Cave
Location:
On the western slopes of the Judean Hills, south of Nahal- Soreq and
approximately 2 km (1 1/4 miles) east of Bet- Shemesh.
Access:
From Jerusalem: On the 'En-Kerem – Bar-Giora road. Follow the signposted
road from the Bar-Giora Junction for about 5 km (3 miles) to the parking
lot.
From Tel Aviv: Take the old Jerusalem road to Shimshon
Junction, turn south to Bet-Shemesh, and then east to the beginning
of the signposted road; Follow this road 5 km (3 miles) to the parking
lot.
Duration:
Approximately 45 minutes.
Amenities:
Audiovisual program and guidance, regional guiding center for tours
in the Judean plain, the Judean Hills, The Judean Desert and the Dead
Sea (to be arranged in advance and there is a fee for participating),
souvenir shop, parking lot, snack bar, rest rooms.
Telephone: 02-9911117
Entrance Fee: Required.
Visiting Hours:
Year-round: 8:30 -16:00
Friday and holiday eves: 8:30 - 13:00
Visitors may enter the reserve until 1 hour before closing time.
Sources: Palphot Ltd. and Nature Reserves Authority, Soreq Cave; Photo Courtesy of David Pride |
