Prometheus Cave
Imereti
Prometheus Cave, also known as Kumistavi Cave, is a remarkable karst cave located in the Tsqaltubo Municipality of Georgia's Imereti region. Formed within the Sataphlia-Tskaltubo karst massif, the cave extends approximately 11 kilometers in length, with 1.8 kilometers accessible to visitors. It features 22 halls, six of which are open to tourists, and lies about 80 meters below ground level. The cave is renowned for its spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and underground river, offering a unique natural spectacle. Visitors can explore notable halls such as Argonauts Hall, Kolkheti Hall, Medea Hall, Love Hall, Prometheus Hall, and Iberia Hall, culminating in an optional boat tour along the underground Kumi River. The cave is also home to diverse cave fauna including various species of invertebrates adapted to the subterranean environment. After initial discovery in the early 1980s and intermittent closures, the cave was restored and reopened in 2011, becoming one of Georgia's premier eco-tourism destinations. Its name honors the Greek myth of Prometheus, who was said to be chained nearby. The cave is accessible year-round, with guided tours providing insight into its geological and ecological significance.
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Astuce: Visit Prometheus Cave during the spring or autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Purchase tickets in advance, especially if planning the boat tour, as boating is limited by water levels for safety. Guided tours are included with admission. Visitors under 6 years enter free, and discounts are available for youth and Georgian citizens with valid ID. The cave operates daily from 10:00 to 17:00 year-round. Bring warm clothing as temperatures inside remain cool. Contact the visitor center ahead for group bookings or special events such as civil marriage ceremonies.
Faits intéressants
- •The cave system extends about 11 km, but only 1.8 km is accessible to tourists.
- •It features 22 halls, with six open to visitors including the Argonauts and Prometheus Halls.
- •The cave hosts a variety of unique subterranean fauna such as Trachysphaera and Xiphocaridinella species.
- •A local man protected the cave from vandalism during its closure in the 1990s, honored by a statue at the entrance.
- •The cave is named after Prometheus, the Greek god chained nearby according to legend.
Histoire
Prometheus Cave was discovered in the early 1980s by a team of Georgian speleologists led by Jumber Jishkariani.
Initially developed as a tourist site in the mid-1980s, the project was halted in 1990 due to political and financial difficulties following the Soviet Union's collapse.
A local resident safeguarded the cave during this period, commemorated by a statue at the entrance.
In 2007, efforts to reopen the cave resumed, culminating in restoration and modernization works.
The cave was officially reopened to the public in 2011, with the name 'Prometheus Cave' inspired by the local legend associating the area with the Greek Titan Prometheus.
Guide du lieu
Argonauts Hall
One of the cave’s main chambers, named after the mythological Argonauts, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Kolkheti Hall
A large cavern within the cave system showcasing unique karst formations and part of the main visitor trail.
Medea Hall
Named after the mythological figure Medea, this hall contains striking mineral formations and is a highlight of the guided tour.
Love Hall
A romantic-themed chamber known for its delicate formations and atmospheric lighting enhancing the visitor experience.
Prometheus Hall
The central hall of the cave, named after the Titan Prometheus, featuring spectacular natural formations and serving as a focal point of the tour.
Iberia Hall
The final hall on the tourist route, named after the ancient kingdom of Iberia, offering views of the underground river and access to the boat tour.
Contact
Téléphone: 577 10 14 17