Cehennemağzı Caves consist of three caves from the Roman and Byzantine periods in the Kdz. Ereğli district of Zonguldak: Church Cave, Heracles Cave, and Ayazma Cave. With its water-filled and cool environment, it is a refreshing stop during the summer months.
Cehennemağzı Caves are located in the Kdz. Ereğli city center, in the region known as Acheron Valley in ancient times. Three caves are side by side: Church Cave, Heracles Cave, and Ayazma Cave. It is a structure naturally formed in volcanic tuff rocks, then expanded by human hands. It is also referred to as "oracle caves" in archaeological sources.
The first cave is the Church Cave. It consists of two sections, with a mosaic floor featuring plant and geometric motifs. The eastern wall of the second section has a small apse and stepped stairs in front of it. In the early Christian period, during years when the faith was forbidden, it was used as a secret place of worship; column capitals and lamp niches bear traces from that period. The second cave, Heracles Cave, is reached by descending a three-step vertical ladder from a narrow entrance on a slope approximately 10 meters high. Its 400 square meter area is supported by two elephant-foot-like pillars. According to mythology, Heracles completed the most difficult task given by King Eurystheus here: he descended into Hades' realm and brought the three-headed dog Cerberus, who guarded hell, to the surface.
Most visitors describe the water and coolness inside; after entering through the narrow door, you encounter a large pool of water with a visible bottom, and some say it is refreshing in the summer heat. Some comments state that the entrance fee is high without a museum card, and entry with a card is more advantageous. There are small shops around, but some say its natural state has not been spoiled.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Zonguldak, Natural Beauties, Zonguldak natural beauties, Kapuz Beach.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
It is a preferred stop in the summer months, especially on hot days. The inside of the cave is quite cool compared to the outside; comments emphasize that this coolness is refreshing in summer. In winter months, the wet and slippery ground requires more caution. Visiting on weekdays is advantageous for a calmer visit, as the number of visitors increases on weekends, especially in the afternoon.
How to Get There?
From Zonguldak city center, Kdz. Ereğli is reached via the Zonguldak-Ereğli Road (D010/E67), a distance of approximately 50 km. The distance to the E5 highway is around 70 km. After arriving in Ereğli, turn towards İnönü Mahallesi to approach the caves. The road from Kdz. Ereğli city center to the caves is entirely asphalt, making it easiest to go by private car. For public transport, there are city minibus options from Ereğli bus station; confirm current schedules with local operators.
How Much Time Should Be Allocated?
Visiting the three caves takes an average of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Examining the mosaics in the Church Cave and descending the narrow stairs of Heracles Cave to see the water pool takes some time. If you also include the Karadeniz Ereğli Museum in your program on the same day, half a day is sufficient.
Route Suggestion
After arriving in Ereğli in the morning, visiting the caves first, then moving on to the Karadeniz Ereğli Museum in the city center is a logical sequence. The Zonguldak Mining Museum is also nearby and can be added to the same day's itinerary. You can complete the day with a short walk along the coastal strip by the sea.
Things to Pay Attention To
Some visitors state that the entrance fee is high without a museum card, so if you have one, be sure to bring it with you. Heracles Cave is accessed through a narrow entrance and a steep three-step ladder, so it is not an easy visit for those with mobility limitations. The ground can be damp and slippery, so choose non-slip shoes.
Photo Spots
The mosaic floor and apse section in the Church Cave offer clear details showing traces of the period. In Heracles Cave, the water pool with a visible bottom, combined with the dim light of the cave, creates interesting shots. The slope at the entrance and the narrow door also provide a suitable background for outdoor shots.
The Story of the Caves
These three caves, located in the region known as Acheron Valley in ancient times, were actively used during the Roman and Byzantine periods. They were naturally formed in volcanic tuff rocks and then expanded by human hands. Between 2000-2002, they were opened to visitors after expropriation, cleaning, and lighting works carried out by the Ministry of Culture, and today they are under the status of an archaeological site affiliated with the Kdz. Ereğli Museum Directorate.
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