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Heaven and Hell Sinkholes — Mersin

Last verified: · Verified at source: muze.gov.tr (KTB) records
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Heaven and Hell Sinkholes — in Silifke district. Two giant sinkholes formed by the collapse of a limestone layer; you descend into Heaven by stairs and view Hell from its rim. Google Maps rating 4.3 (16734 reviews).

Heaven and Hell Sinkholes (Cennet–Cehennem)
Image: Wikimedia Commons — Gothika, CC BY-SA 3.0

About

Heaven and Hell are two large karstic sinkholes near Narlıkuyu, formed when an underground stream collapsed its ceiling. The Heaven sinkhole is about 250 x 110 metres and 70 metres deep; a 452-step stone staircase from the Roman period descends into the pit, which was considered sacred in antiquity, and at its bottom is the ruin of a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The Hell sinkhole, 128 metres deep, is steeper and more forbidding; it cannot be descended and is viewed from the observation terrace at its rim. According to ancient sources, it is the place where Zeus imprisoned the giant Typhon after defeating him. The site is toured with MüzeKart; comfortable shoes for the stairs and fitness for the descent and ascent are needed.

Practical Information

Practical information

DistrictSilifke
Best seasonSpring and autumn; the stairs are tiring in the summer midday heat
Transit5 km inland from Kızkalesi; by car, follow the signs from the Narlıkuyu junction

MüzeKart is valid. The entrance fee is not published in the muze.gov.tr record, so it is not stated; confirm the current fee from the official page or confirm at the ticket office.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours

Day / sourceHours
Official (muze.gov.tr)08:00–17:00, box office 16:45
Monday08:15-20:45
Tuesday08:15-20:45
Wednesday08:15-20:45
Thursday08:15-20:45
Friday08:15-20:45
Saturday08:15-20:45
Sunday08:15-20:45

Location & Directions

LocationOpen on map
Temporary map position (near the district centre) — the exact coordinates will be added later.© OpenStreetMap contributors
Address21 km to Silifke district centre, 33940 Silifke/Mersin, Silifke, Mersin
How to get thereGoogle MapsYandex MapsApple Maps

Also Nearby

Erdemli

Kızkalesi

The castle rising from the sea 200 metres off Korykos bay is the symbol of Mersin; it is visited together with Korykos Castle on the shore.

Open page
Silifke

Asthma Cave

A dripstone cave known for its highly humid air, 300 metres from the Heaven sinkhole.

Open page
Silifke

Narlıkuyu

A small cove where fresh water springs up from under the sea; famous for its fish restaurants and the Three Graces mosaic.

Open page

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Heaven and Hell Sinkholes, how to get there?
Heaven and Hell Sinkholes are in Mersin's Silifke district. 5 km inland from Kızkalesi; by car, follow the signs from the Narlıkuyu junction
Are the Heaven and Hell Sinkholes ticketed? Is MüzeKart valid?
Museum Pass (MüzeKart) is valid. The entrance fee in TL is not published in the muze.gov.tr record; confirm the current fee at the ticket office or on the official page.
What is the best season to visit the Heaven and Hell Sinkholes?
Spring and autumn; the stairs are tiring in the summer midday heat