Karaca Cave safety works underway in Gümüşhane

Safety improvements are underway at Karaca Cave in Gümüşhane to protect visitors from rockfall risks and reopen the site to tourism. The cave, located in the Torul district near Cebeli village, is estimated to be approximately 15 million years old and is noted for its diverse stalactites and stalagmites.

The Provincial Special Administration has initiated work to secure the access route, which was closed to visitors on April 16, 2026, due to the risk of falling rocks. The project involves stabilizing slopes and installing steel barriers and nets.

The first phase included the installation of 120-meter-long, 7-meter-high steel barriers with a 5,000 kilojoule energy absorption capacity at the cave entrance. The second phase will involve constructing 28-meter-long ditch barriers and covering rock surfaces with a 1,000-meter combined steel net system. Controlled rock cleaning and block dropping operations are also part of the plan, with completion expected by October 31.