Discover Quri Qaleh Cave

Quri Qaleh Cave is one of the exceptional tourist attractions in the northwest of Iran. It is 12 kilometers long and 3140 meters deep, containing many halls.

All the halls are inspired by the naturally-formed stalactites and stalagmites. Mary, Ferdowsi, Amir Kabir, Beethoven, Mushroom, Pisa Tower, Elephant, Heart, Ship, and Waterfall are among the names given to the cave’s many halls.

The temperature at the cave varies from -7 to 11 degrees Centigrade, with a relative humidity of 89 percent. So it is easy for tourists to visit during all seasons of the year.

This amazing tourist attraction is located about 90 Kilometers from Kermanshah and 25 kilometers from Ravansar town on the slopes of Shahou Mountain. Archeologists believed that the cave is 65 million years old.

One thing that differentiates this cave with other similar ones is the 4 waterfalls in the depths of the ground in this cave.

Zoologists believe that this cave is a good habitat for a rare species of bat named mouse-ear. Knowing the fact that, a large number of the vertebrates lived there before it was spotted.

Quri Qaleh cave was registered as the 54th national relic in the list of Iran’s natural heritage by the Cultural Heritage Organization on March 17th, 2009.

How to Reach Quri Qaleh Cave?

To get to Quri Qaleh Cave, you first need to make your way to Kermanshah Province. Once in this province, you can find the cave by taking the Paveh-Ravansar road, located in the northern part of the city of Ravansar.

What Awaits You in Quri Qaleh Cave?

Quri Qaleh Cave is a wonder that unfolds in two main phases, each capturing the fascination of tourists.

First Phase: This section, stretching about 500 meters, is where you’ll find two famous chambers named ‘Maryam Hall’ and ‘Camel’s Hump Hall’. These chambers are remarkable for their unique formations and the overall ambiance they create.

Second Phase: The second part of the cave extends for about 1000 meters and is home to the ‘Bride Hall’, ‘Beethoven Hall’, and ‘Prayer Hall’. Each of these halls has its own distinctive features and formations, making them a must-see for any visitor.

So, as you enter the cave, right from the entrance, these stunning scenes await you, ready to leave you in awe of nature’s underground artistry.

When is the Best Time to Visit Quri Qaleh Cave?

The first six months of the year, especially from late April to early September, are the best time to travel to Kermanshah. During this period, the weather is more pleasant, and you won’t be bothered by the cold.

Characteristics of Quri Qaleh Cave

Quri Qaleh Cave is millions of years old, tracing its origins back to 65 million years ago during the Mesozoic era, a period in the Earth’s geological history. In 1976, a group of English geologists discovered this cave, sparking the commencement of geological studies on it.

Since its discovery, several exploration expeditions have been conducted by cavers, with each expedition venturing several kilometers deep into the cave. The most significant exploration took place in 1987, uncovering about 30 kilometers of the cave.

The cave maintains a humidity level of 40 to 60 percent and a temperature between 7 to 11 degrees Celsius. It is adorned with fascinating geological phenomena and stalactites. Quri Qaleh Cave was once home to a rare species of bats called the Long-eared bat and numerous Yellow salamanders. However, over the decades, due to unchecked and unprotected tourism, the populations of these resident species have drastically declined.