Topkapı Palace
The sultans’ palace on Sarayburnu: courtyards, the Imperial Council, the treasury and the terraces over the water. Dated entry, sold online on its own site.
Silifke Asthma Cave
A natural cave near Narlıkuyu reached by a spiral iron staircase, known for its humid air, its stalactites and its "wishing cave" folklore.
On September 30, 2026 the Ministry’s listing showed this museum as closed to visitors. Check the official page before planning a visit.
About the museum
The Asthma Cave lies in the Hasanaliler quarter of Narlıkuyu, about 600 metres north-west of the Heaven and Hell caves. It is one of the places that best reflects the geography of the region and is regarded as a natural wonder. People come mainly because its air is believed to help asthma sufferers and because of the legends that surround it.
A spiral iron staircase leads down about 15 metres. The cave formed as far back as the third geological era. Its 200 metres of interconnected galleries hold giant stalactites and stalagmites of odd shapes, formed by silica deposits. Humidity reaches 85 per cent in summer and up to 95 per cent in winter. The interior lighting gives photographers striking images.
Visitors tie strips of cloth to the trees and bushes outside to make wishes, so locals also call it the "Wishing Cave".
Tips
- Nearby are the Heaven and Hell caves: Cennet Çöküğü contains the Church of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site.
- It is humid inside; wear shoes with good grip on the metal steps.
Questions
When is Silifke Asthma Cave open?
According to the Ministry’s listing it opens at 08:00 and closes at 21:00 (last entry 20:45). Open every day.
Can I buy tickets for Silifke Asthma Cave on this site?
No. This site sells no tickets. Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Dolmabahçe Palace are sold on our sister sites; for Silifke Asthma Cave, buy at the ticket office or on the Ministry’s official e-ticket system.
Where is Silifke Asthma Cave?
Silifke Asthma Cave is in Mersin, Türkiye — Narlıkuyu Mahallesi, Hasanaliler Mahallesi.
Nearby
Mersin
Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle) and Korykos
The coastal ruins of ancient Korykos at Kızkalesi, Mersin: a land castle, a necropolis valley and the sea castle offshore, layered with Roman, Byzantine and Armenian history.
Mersin
Kanlıdivane Archaeological Site
An ancient Cilician city built around a huge sinkhole west of Mersin, with churches, olive workshops, cisterns and a Roman road.
Mersin
Mersin Museum
A modern museum near the seafront in Mersin, opened in its new building in 2017, taking visitors through a time tunnel from prehistory to the Republic.
Mersin
Silifke Ayatekla Archaeological Site
A cave church near Silifke that grew around the refuge of Saint Thekla, one of Christianity's earliest and best-known women saints, with ruins from the age of Emperor Zeno.
Mersin
Silifke Museum
The archaeological museum of Silifke, with finds from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman era shown in stone, coin, jewellery, ethnographic and garden displays.
Mersin
Silifke Narlıkuyu Mosaic Museum
A small museum built around a Roman bath floor showing the Three Graces, on the bay of Narlıkuyu near Silifke.
Istanbul tickets online
Four Istanbul landmarks, each sold on its own site by the agency behind this guide — dated entry and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Basilica Cistern
Justinian’s great underground reservoir: 336 columns in still water and the two Medusa heads. Fast-track entry with a digital audio guide.
Hagia Sophia
Justinian’s cathedral, the sultans’ mosque and a working mosque again today. The ticket admits you to the upper visitor gallery.
Dolmabahçe Palace
A nineteenth-century palace on the water’s edge: the Selamlık, the Ceremonial Hall under its chandelier, the crystal staircase and the Harem.