The Incirli Cave, which is located on Ipsaro Hill in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, is the only gypsum cave in the world that is open to tourists (TRNC). The TRNC’s ncirli Cave, the only gypsum cave in the world that is accessible to tourists, is found on Ipsaro Hill two kilometres southeast of the town of narck at the foot of the Beşparmak Mountains.
The cave, one of the 370 or so caves in Cyprus, is 311 metres long, varies in width from 1 to 7 metres, and has a ceiling height that is said to alter according to the phases of the moon. The cave is typically built of gypsum. The peak of the cave is 14 metres above sea level. It is also where the depth of the cave is greatest. Beyond the 20-meter section, there are a number of quite brief, curved tunnels that continue in various directions at the entrance.
Near the end of the accessible area, the trail unexpectedly narrows and turns, creating a maze-like journey with tiny passages divided into shadowy nooks and rock formations sweeping upward with exquisite curves. It takes about 60 metres to get to the cave’s second and last portion. It is dangerous and forbidden to go further than this point, which is blocked off by blocks that have fallen from the roof. Natural air conditioning keeps the interior of the Ncirli Cave, which is only around 70 metres long, fortified, illuminated, and open to the public, cool. The constant temperature of 18 to 19 degrees throughout the year makes it seem warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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The purely natural geographic formation known as ncirli Cave, which displays the peculiar features of the quaternary relief system, is located outside the steps at the entrance. Due to the lithological properties of gypsum stones and the way their wide fractures cross one another, the cave has a structure with hooks and cages. In particular, the final sections consist of interconnected labyrinthine hallways and tunnels. The 2 metre high stalactites and stalagmites in the southeast gallery of the ncirli Cave are made of gypsum.
Hard stalactites hang from the ceiling while rough stalagmites emerge from the floor. The distinctive white mineral columns that reach the ceiling, the sandstone rock formations, and the walls with mineral veins that resemble prismatic crystals all add to the beauty of Northern Cyprus’s one and only advanced gypsum topographical cave.