Spiritual Forum

Whether they're underwater or on dry land, caves can offer up dramatic views and provide homes for exotic plants and animals -- and people, too. The Besiliki Cave is actually the covered ruins of the ancient Roman port city, Seleukeia Pieria in Antakya, Turkey.

The Bazda Caves were formed by centuries of quarrying for the city of Harran in Turkey.

This monastery was built into the rock in Zelve, a village in Turkey. Zelve once housed an entire village but was abandoned in 1952 due to unsafe erosion.

Cave tombs were carved into rock by the ancient Nabataeans in Petra, Jordan. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Grotta di Nettuna uses lighting effects to highlight the natural formations in the cave. It's a popular tourist destination in Sardinia, Italy.

The New Afone Cave is said to hold the longest underground bridge in the world. The cave is located in Abkhazia, a state whose boarders include the Black Sea, Russia and Georgia.

Dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations can be found in this cave in Paclenica National Park, Croatia. The park is home to 37 caves.

The famous caves outside of Zakynthos, Greece, were created by erosion.

A cove created by ancient buildings sits atop Masada, Israel. The ancient site has a clear view of the Dead Sea.

Stalactites and stalagmites created wondrous views at this underground lake in Feengrotte Saalfeld, Germany.

Watch your step when navigating your way around the icy caves at Ysperklamm in Austria.

The ice cave at Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps might be a bit chilly, but worth the experience.

The Choranche caves in Vercors, France, feature thin stalactites and underground rivers. The entrance is entirely flat, too.

Luray Caverns in Virginia is known for its stalactites and stalagmites. Here, a pool of water creates an interesting illusion by reflecting the stalactites protruding from above.

The Dance Hall cave in Maquoketa State Park is 1,100 feet (335.28 meters) long. The park contains the most caves in the state of Iowa.

The rock formations at Scotts Head Pinnacle in Dominica make this diving site an excellent home to a variety of marine life.

iStockphoto.com/Sedar Yagci