Cennet Sinkhole Mersin
Two colossal sinkholes, Cennet (Heaven) and Cehennem (Hell), offering ancient myths, a Byzantine chapel, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cennet Sinkhole Mersin
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Two colossal sinkholes, Cennet (Heaven) and Cehennem (Hell), offering ancient myths, a Byzantine chapel, and breathtaking natural wonders.
"A must-go place with stunning natural beauty and historical depth, offering a unique glimpse into mythology and ancient history."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Slippery stairs in Cennet require good grip. Avoid flip-flops!
⬆️ Elevator for Exit
Use the elevator to ascend from Cennet Cave; it's a lifesaver!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cennet Cave (Heaven)
Interior of the sinkhole
Descend into a lush, cool cavern housing ancient Byzantine chapel ruins.
Cehennem Cave (Hell)
Overlook platform
Gaze into the immense, dark abyss of this legendary mythological site.
Underground River
Near Cennet Cave
Hear the rumble of a hidden river beneath your feet, adding to the mystique.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Cennet & Cehennem
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Slippery stairs in Cennet require good grip. Avoid flip-flops!
⬆️ Elevator for Exit
Use the elevator to ascend from Cennet Cave; it's a lifesaver!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. The descent can be tiring.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from Cehennem's overlook are stunning.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Slippery stairs in Cennet require good grip. Avoid flip-flops!
⬆️ Elevator for Exit
Use the elevator to ascend from Cennet Cave; it's a lifesaver!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. The descent can be tiring.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from Cehennem's overlook are stunning.
⏳ Check Elevator Status
Confirm elevator operation beforehand, especially if mobility is a concern.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and historical significance of Cennet and Cehennem sinkholes. The cool interior of Cennet Cave and the ancient chapel are highlights, while the dramatic view of Cehennem from above leaves a lasting impression. The elevator for ascent from Cennet is a much-appreciated convenience.
"You can only look at the hell cave from above. You can go down to the heaven cave by stairs. You can go to the very bottom of my cave. The bottom of the cave is very cool. The atmosphere is magnificent. You can use the elevator on the way back."
Furkan Çetinkaya
"This is a “must go” place if you are in the area. The site consists of The Pit of Hell and the Chasm of Heaven!!! There is a walkway to the glass stage to see the pit of hell. When you walk up the hill, the view of the pit and the Mediterranean is great. You need to take many steps down to the Chasm of Heaven. Once you are down you see the mouth of the huge cave. There is a church ruins (pretty well preserved) at the top of the cave. You can walk down to the bottom of the cave and the view from the bottom is amazing. The air is very fresh and the walkway is very nice. My 4 yr old son was able to walk easily down and up the cave. The good news is that you can take an elevator back to the top!!! There is plenty of parking and the entrance is NOT free. Don’t forget to visit Astim Cave!!! It is very close."
Murat Guvendiren
"It’s a beautiful natural site. It consists of two sinkholes, a smaller (hell) and a bigger one (heaven). You can look into the smaller one from a panorama deck with a glass floor and you can enter the big one. The big one also ‘comes’ with a beautiful church at the mound of a cave that ends close to an underground river. You cannot see it but you can hear it rumbling underneath you."
Wiecher Van Der Laan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cennet Sinkhole is located near Narlıkuyu in Mersin, Turkey. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi. Public transport options are limited, but dolmuş (minibuses) might be available from Silifke or Mersin city center. Many visitors combine a trip to Cennet and Cehennem with other nearby attractions like Astım Cave.
Cennet Sinkhole is approximately 70-80 kilometers (about 1-1.5 hours drive) west of Mersin city center. It's a scenic drive along the coast.
While possible, it's more challenging without a car. You might need to rely on local dolmuş services or arrange private transport. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region.
There is ample parking available at the site, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the 'Cehennem' (Hell) sinkhole is right next to Cennet. Astım Cave and the ancient city of Olba are also in close proximity, making it a great area for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Cennet and Cehennem sinkholes. The price is reasonable and covers access to both sites.
No, you can only view Cehennem Cave from an overlook platform with a glass floor. It is too deep and dangerous to enter.
You can descend into Cennet Cave via a long set of stairs. For the return journey, an elevator is available to take you back to the top.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, but generally, the site is open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the latest hours before your visit.
While generally operational, it's wise to confirm the elevator's status upon arrival, especially if you have mobility concerns.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cennet (Heaven) is a large, lush sinkhole with stairs leading to a Byzantine chapel inside, accessible via descent and elevator exit. Cehennem (Hell) is a deeper, darker sinkhole viewed only from an overhead platform.
Descending into Cennet Cave involves many steps, which can be tiring. The stairs can also be slippery. The elevator makes the ascent easier. Viewing Cehennem is not physically demanding.
Inside Cennet Cave, you'll find a well-preserved Byzantine chapel, lush vegetation, and a cool, atmospheric environment. You can walk to the very bottom.
Visitors often mention the cool, fresh air inside Cennet Cave. Some also report hearing the faint rumble of an underground river.
Basic facilities, including restrooms, are usually available at the site. There are also shops and cafes nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlook for Cehennem Cave offers dramatic views. Inside Cennet Cave, the ancient chapel and the lush greenery provide unique photo opportunities. The walk up the hill also offers great vistas. 
Photography is generally allowed inside Cennet Cave, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash that might disturb the environment or people.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the sinkholes. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the interior of Cennet Cave.
Drone usage is typically restricted in protected natural and historical sites. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic effects, especially for the exterior views. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
🏛️ History & Mythology Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mythology and History of Cennet & Cehennem
Cennet (Heaven), in contrast, offers a more serene experience. Its name reflects its lush interior and the discovery of a Byzantine chapel within its depths. This chapel, dating back to the 5th century AD, suggests the site was considered sacred or a place of refuge. The presence of an underground river also adds to its mystique and the possibility of ancient rituals.
Many visitors are struck by the stark contrast between the two sinkholes, which amplifies their individual impact. The accessibility of Cennet, with its stairs and elevator, allows for a deeper exploration, while Cehennem's imposing presence from above serves as a constant reminder of its legendary status.
Navigating the Descent: Cennet Cave Experience
Upon reaching the bottom, you'll find the ruins of a Byzantine chapel, a testament to the site's historical significance. The cave floor is relatively flat, allowing you to explore the chapel and the surrounding cavern. The sheer scale of the sinkhole from this perspective is breathtaking. For the return journey, a modern elevator provides a convenient and effortless ascent back to the surface, a feature highly appreciated by many visitors, especially those with children or mobility issues.
It's important to wear appropriate footwear as the stairs can be slippery, particularly after rain or due to moisture. Bringing water is also recommended, as the descent can be tiring. The entire experience within Cennet Cave, from the descent to exploring the chapel, offers a unique blend of natural wonder and historical discovery.
The View from Above: Cehennem Cave
The visual impact of Cehennem is amplified by its association with Greek mythology, where it's said to be the prison of the monster Typhon. The sheer scale and the darkness create a powerful sense of mystery and primal fear, living up to its name. While you cannot descend into Cehennem, the vantage point from the platform offers a profound appreciation for the geological forces that shaped this natural wonder.
Many visitors find the view from the hill above Cehennem, which also encompasses the Mediterranean Sea, to be particularly striking. This elevated perspective provides a broader context for the landscape and enhances the overall experience of visiting the sinkholes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit