Mersin's Aynalıgöl awaits visitors
MERSİN - Doğan News Agency
DHA photo
The Aynalıgöl (Gilindire) Inn, which was discovered 15 years ago by shepherds in the southern province of Mersin’s Aydıncık district, and called the “eighth wonder of the world” by Turkish tourism officials, has been prepared to welcome visitors.“The Gilindire Inn was discovered by shepherds in 1999 in Aydıncık. Also known as Aynalıgöl, the inn is one of the most striking spots in Turkey,” Aydıncık Mayor Ferat Aktan said, adding that works are continuing to strengthen tourism infrastructure.
Aktan described the inn as a “natural wonder.”
“The stalactites, walls and stones formed inside the inn are so fascinating that one could spend hours there. The inn is also important in terms of tourism. It could be the eighth wonder of the world. Visitors will be surprised and fascinated at each step, while at one end of the inn there is a lake,” he said.
He also added that the ancient site of Kelenderis and the Susanlık Castle are among the places worth seeing in the area.
60 million years
The Gilindire Inn, which is thought to date back 60 million years, is 55 meters in length and 46 meters in depth.
Located 47 meters below sea level, it has a number of remarkably well-preserved formations like stalactites and stalagmites.
The underwater formations at the inn contain all hydrological and atmospheric data of the Ice Age.
The inn welcomed around 15,000 visitors in 2014.