Lower St Michael's Cave: A Subterranean Cathedral

Lower St Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a captivating natural wonder discovered in 1942 during World War II when Royal Engineers were blasting a new entrance to the lower chambers of the main St. Michael's Cave. This accidental discovery revealed a series of chambers that may have been sealed off for 20,000 years. The cave is renowned for its stunning array of speleothems, encompassing nearly all known cave formations. Visitors can marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, rim stone, helictites, columns, coral rocks, flowstone, straws, and curtains, creating a breathtaking subterranean landscape. The main chambers evoke the ambiance of a cathedral, complete with formations resembling a pulpit, chancel, and organ pipes. A highlight of Lower St Michael's Cave is its 37-meter-long underground lake, estimated to hold 200,000 liters of crystal-clear water. The cave is carefully preserved, with ropes and lighting installed to ensure visitor safety while minimizing impact on its natural state. Tours, lasting around three hours, involve some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes. It's recommended to wear sturdy shoes and casual clothing. Photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture the unforgettable experience. Access to Lower St Michael's Cave is by arrangement only, with tours available for groups of five to ten people. Children under ten years old are not permitted on the tour.