Imagine you're on a journey along Mersin's beautiful coastline, moving from the blue of the sea to the green of the Taurus Mountains. What if I told you that at the end of this journey, heaven and hell await you, just a few hundred meters apart? Though it sounds like a legend, this natural wonder near Silifke promises exactly such an experience. This is a breathtaking landscape shaped by thousands of years of geological processes and the wrath of ancient gods. If you're wondering about the things to do in the Sinkholes of Heaven and Hell, fasten your seatbelts! Because we are taking you on a discovery filled with mythology, history, and adrenaline. This trip will be much more than just looking at two giant pits.

The Earth's Story: How Were These Giant Sinkholes Formed?

Have you ever wondered how these massive pits were formed? It all began millions of years ago with a river flowing secretly underground. This subterranean river patiently carved a path through the limestone (karstic) terrain. Like a sculptor, its water slowly dissolved and eroded the rock, creating enormous underground caves.   

Over time, these caves grew so large that the ceiling above could no longer support its own weight. And one day, with a great roar, it collapsed. The sinkholes of Heaven and Hell are the results of this magnificent collapse. So, what you are actually seeing is just a snapshot of a story that continues in the depths of the earth. That underground river is still active, and its waters re-emerge in Narlıkuyu, flowing into the Mediterranean. These sinkholes are not static monuments; they are proof of the Earth's living, breathing geological memory.   

Echoes of Olympus: Where Gods Fought Monsters

As impressive as the geological story of this land is, its mythological tales are just as captivating. According to ancient Greek legends, this was the stage for one of the most epic battles between gods and monsters. The story unfolds between Zeus, the king of the gods, and Typhon, a terrifying, hundred-headed, fire-breathing monster.   

According to the legend, Typhon was so powerful that he defeated Zeus in their first battle and imprisoned him in one of these caves. However, Zeus received help, regained his strength, and defeated Typhon. It is believed that he temporarily imprisoned him in the pit of Hell before confining him forever beneath Mount Etna. That is why the terrifying depth of the Hell sinkhole was, for the people of antiquity, the only place a monster could be imprisoned. The roar of the water coming from the bottom of Heaven reminded them of the Styx, the legendary river of the Underworld. These legends are the most beautiful example of how human imagination was shaped by the overwhelming power of nature.   

Descend to the bottom of the Heaven sinkhole via a 452-step staircase

The journey to Heaven begins with a 452-step stone staircase awaiting you. With each step, the noise of the outside world gives way to the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, while the air becomes cooler and more humid. This descent is not just a physical activity; it's like a portal opening to another world. When you descend to a depth of 70 meters, you are greeted by a lush, hidden oasis formed by its unique microclimate.   

Of course, descending and ascending so many steps may not be easy for everyone. It could be particularly challenging for the elderly, visitors with disabilities, or families with young children. Fortunately, this problem has been solved with recent renovation works. A modern elevator now provides comfortable access to the bottom of the sinkhole. This allows those who wish to experience the authentic and adventurous journey of the stairs, while others can explore this natural wonder without getting tired. This modern touch has made Heaven accessible to everyone.   

Feel the depth of the Hell sinkhole by viewing it from the glass observation deck

After the lush and inviting atmosphere of Heaven, the Hell sinkhole, just 75 meters away, greets you with a completely different feeling. With its 128-meter depth and inwardly curved, unclimbable walls, this place truly lives up to its name with an intimidating grandeur. This bottomless pit, which people used to peer into fearfully from the edge, can now be experienced in a much more impressive way thanks to a modern engineering marvel.   

The glass observation deck that has been built literally allows you to walk over the void. The adrenaline and awe you feel while looking down at the 128-meter drop beneath you are indescribable. This terrace doesn't just give you a better view; it also allows you to safely feel that mythological fear, the terror of the bottomless pit where Zeus imprisoned the monster Typhon. This is the most concrete example of how modern technology can enhance an ancient emotion.   

Visit the ruins of the Church of the Virgin Mary at the bottom of Heaven

Around the 300th step of your descent into the Heaven sinkhole, an unexpected surprise will greet you: a historic church hidden among the rocks. This small chapel, built in the 5th century by a pious man named Paulus in dedication to the Virgin Mary, is a silent witness to how history and faith are intertwined with nature. Being inside this structure, built from block-cut stones, gives one a unique sense of peace.   

The location of this church is no coincidence. It may have been a sanctuary where believers secretly worshipped to escape persecution during the early periods of Christianity. More importantly, building a church in the heart of a sacred pagan area already dedicated to Zeus was a way of demonstrating the power and claim of a new faith in these lands. If you continue down the stairs after visiting the church, you will hear more clearly the sound of the underground stream, believed to be the whispers of the mythological River Styx, coming from the depths of the cave.   

While You're Here: The Hidden Treasures of the Mediterranean

Your adventure doesn't end after exploring Heaven and Hell. This area is at the very center of a region that hosts many treasures waiting to be discovered.

Asthma Cave (Dilek Cave): Located just 600 meters away, you can descend into this cave via a 78-step spiral staircase. With its year-round temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and high humidity, it is believed to be beneficial for asthma patients. It is also known as "Dilek Mağarası" (Wish Cave) due to the tradition of tying cloth to the surrounding trees and making a wish.   

Kanlıdivane Ancient City: A short drive away, this ancient city, much like Heaven and Hell, was built around a giant sinkhole. With its Hellenistic towers, well-preserved churches, rock tombs, and the legend of criminals being punished by being thrown into the sinkhole, it will take you on a journey back in time.   

Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum: This tiny museum, located in Narlıkuyu where the underground river of Heaven flows into the sea, houses a priceless work of art. You must see the "Three Graces Mosaic" which adorns the floor of a 4th-century Roman bath and depicts Zeus's three daughters: Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia.   

To explore this region and more, don't forget to check out our comprehensive Mersin Travel Guide page.

Practical Information for Your Visit

We've gathered all the information you might need to make your planning easier:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: Is it very difficult to descend into the Heaven sinkhole? Is it suitable for the elderly and children?Answer: The 452-step staircase can be tiring, especially on the way up. However, it is manageable for most visitors with average fitness. Additionally, there is an elevator that makes the descent and ascent much easier for the elderly, visitors with disabilities, and families with young children.   

Question 2: Is the Müzekart valid for Heaven and Hell?Answer: Yes, the Müzekart is valid for Turkish citizens. You can enter for free with your Müzekart. Foreign nationals are required to purchase a ticket.   

Question 3: How much time should I allocate to visit the area (Heaven, Hell, and Asthma Cave)?Answer: Descending into and ascending from the Heaven sinkhole and visiting the church can take about 1.5-2 hours. If we add the Hell observation deck and the nearby Asthma Cave, we recommend setting aside at least 3-4 hours for a comfortable visit.