Rotunda

The Rotunda is one of the largest rooms inside Mammoth Cave.

NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Welcome to “The Rotunda”. We are now approximately 140’ below the surface. To the right are two Great War Monuments dedicated in 1922 and 1929. This massive room is ¼ of an acre in size with a circular ceiling, and is the result of rivers that once flowed through these passages, carving away the limestone rock. Over time the water found cracks and weak spots in the layers, slowly making its way deeper into the layers. The unsupported rock gave away and settled to the floor, creating a natural breakout dome. In addition to leaving behind large passageways, the rivers left a thick layer of sediment on the cave floor.