A complex of
underground cavities
In the heart of Pugliajust a few steps from the centre of Castellana Grotte, there is an entrance to an underground world millennial and primordial beauty.
The Castellana Caves, one of the most fascinating karst complexes in Europe, extend for over three kilometres below the Earth's surface, reaching a depth of XNUMX metres.
Here, where the temperature remains a constant XNUMX°C, time appears to stand still: stalactites and stalagmites, formed drop by drop over millions of years, tell a story of their own. It is a fascinating journey that excites, amazes and enchants.>
A complex of
underground cavities
The Castellana Caves, a complex of underground karst cavities of considerable tourist interest, among the most beautiful and spectacular in Italy, are located in the municipality of Castellana Grotte, approximately 1,5 km from the town.
They extend for 3348 meters and reach a maximum depth of 122 meters from the surface. The internal temperature is around 16,5°C.
Unique adventures
in the Earth's depths
The Castellana Caves offer educational experiences that provide a unique opportunity to learn and have fun in close contact with nature. Visitors can discover how karst caves are formed, the creatures that inhabit this underground ecosystem and the importance of protecting it. This engaging educational activity fosters curiosity, respect for the environment, and a love of science. It's an incredible journey through geology and wonder that ensures every visit to the Castellana Caves unforgettable.
Itinerary itinerary
Partial tour, of the leght of 1 kilometer
and lasting 50 minutes
Itinerary itinerary
Complete tour, of the length of 3 kilometers and lasting 100 minutes about
Itinerary:
the path of the caves
A visit to the Castellana Caves is a fascinating experience. This underground excursion leads visitors down to a depht of about 70 meters, through one of Italy's most spectacular karst landscapes. The easily accesible route is suitable for all ages and winds through stalactites, stalagmites, ancient fossils, and natural cavities with evocative names. Expert, multilingual guides accompany visitors, making every step a story and every cave a discovery, ensuring an unforgettable emotion.
SEVERE
LA LUPA
THE CAVE OF MONUMENTS
THE OWL'S CAVE
THE SOURCE CAVE
DESERT CORRIDOR
MILAN CATHEDRAL
TOWER OF PISA
POND
WHITE CAVE
CUPOLA
Along the way, you'll come across rock formations with incredible shapes that stimulate the imagination and give the caves their names. This phenomenon is called pareidolia: the brain's tendency to recognise familiar faces, animals, or figures in random patterns. The first Cave explorers used this practice to find their way around the underground labyrinth, giving the caves evocative names that still fascinate visitors today.
la Story
The 23rd of January, 1938 marks the beginning of the great discovery of the Castellana Caves, when the speleologist Franco Anelli looked out over the edge of the Grave, the chasm that served as the entrance to the underground complex. After descending to the bottom of the cavity, Anelli explored its perimeter until he found a narrow passage leading to a second enormous cavern. It was so vast that the light of his acetylene torch could not fully illuminate it. This cavern, which would later be named the Cave of Monuments, was just the first of many extraordinary discoveries.
Two days later, Anelli resumed the exploration, thus opening the doors to one of the most fascinating underground journeys in Europe.
