This Cave in Alanya is Believed to Cure Asthma
The Damlataş Cave in Alanya is not only an impressive visual spectacle but also subject to a widespread belief that its distinct air is able to cure asthma. We take a look at the details of this peculiar cave as well as Alanya’s other fascinating grotto, the Dim Cave.
Located west of the famous Alanya Castle (built in the 13th century under the Seljuq Sultanate), the entrance of the Damlataş Cave faces the Mediterranean Sea. Discovered by accident during the construction of the Alanya Harbor in 1948, the cave was first inspected by geologists before opening to the public as a tourist attraction. Damlataş (which translates to Dripping Stone) has two levels with a cylindrical cavity leading visitors to the lower section. The mysterious cave is full of stalactites, icicle shaped formations that hang down from the cave wall and are produced through the mineral precipitation as water drips down from the cave ceiling. The other formations are stalagmites, which are rounded or flattened mounds that grow upward due to the mineral deposits that have precipitated from the water dripping down onto the cave floor. These formations are believed to be thousands of years old, and with addition of artificial lighting, they take on a rather eerie disposition.
As for the air within the cave, there is a high percentage of carbon dioxide (around 10 to 15 times more than the air outside) with 95% humidity and a constant temperature of around 22 to 23 degrees no matter what the season. Since its discovery, the cave has come to be known as an asthma cure due to the special conditions of the air within. People have come to believe that Damlataş is able to cure asthma and other respiratory diseases and in 2014 the Alanya municipality calculated that, within seven months, more than 4,000 people suffering from respiratory problems visited the cave with its purported healing powers. As such, officials have come up with a special program for asthma patients who arrive for a treatment that includes a stay of 21 days with four hours in the cave on a daily basis. Every day between 10am and 2pm the cave is open to visitors with respiratory illnesses only.
With around 3,000 caves discovered and studied all over Turkey, it’s no surprise that Alanya has another attraction: the Dim Cave. The cave, which was formed through the erosion of landscapes underlain by limestone, is around 360 meters long with many stunning stalactite formations as well as a beautiful lake that is around 17 meters away from the entrance. Before the cave became a tourist attraction, some parts of it were used as shelter by local hunters and shepherds. It was only in 1986 that it was discovered and studied by speleologists (cave and karst feature scientists) and by 1996 it was opened to visitors as the first cave as a tourist attraction.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.