An opportunity to celebrate and remember the events of 1938, when speleologist Franco Anelli descended into the Grave cave for the first time and began the exploration that led him, along with Vito Matarrese from Castellana, to the discovery of one of Puglia's most astonishing natural sites. A small ceremony with just a few attendees, in compliance with all anti-contagion measures but with the sole purpose of commemorating, 83 years after the event, the feat of January 23, 1938, and those who made it possible, took place this morning at the Castellana Caves.
Just a few moments, but chosen by the Board of Directors of Grotte di Castellana srl to commemorate, as they do every year, this important anniversary: an institutional one, with speeches by Victor Casulli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grotte di Castellana srl, Francesco De Ruvo, Mayor of Castellana Grotte, and the dignitaries present; a religious one, with the blessing of Monsignor Giuseppe Favale, Bishop of the Diocese of Conversano-Monopoli; and finally a commemorative one, with a floral tribute at the bust of the speleologist who was the first to descend through the Grave chasm and the reproduction of a moving video speech by his nephew Francesco Anelli.
"Although on a smaller scale, this year too we strongly desired to celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of the caves. This deeply felt anniversary is an annual opportunity to remember that January 23, 1938, represented a significant historical moment, which changed the fate and habits of an entire community," commented President Casulli. "We also hope that this day will be a good omen for the year 2021 has just begun. 2020 has marked us deeply, presenting us with challenges that only a year ago, in the same place, we could not have imagined. But we have emerged with our heads held high and now hope to soon be able to welcome visitors again and see our wonderful caves revived. We can seize 2021 as a great opportunity to start over because we will have the opportunity to undertake major projects such as the restyling of the Anelli Museum. With the help of the Puglia Region, we also hope to obtain the funding that would allow us to redevelop Piazzale Anelli and the entire area dedicated to welcoming tourists, and we will be able to continue working on the project." We also hope to be able to secure funds for the redevelopment of the entire lighting system in the caves."
"The caves are the pride of Castellana," Mayor De Ruvo emphasized. "Our community has an unbreakable bond with the karst site, just as so many workers and families are tied to this Italian wonder that attracts tourists from around the world every year. These are challenging times, but despite everything, we emerged from 2020 on a strong financial footing, and we are confident that we will soon put the difficulties behind us. We are working toward this goal, hoping to reopen as soon as possible."
Also speaking during the celebration were Emanuele Caputo, president of the municipal council of Castellana Grotte, Augusto Dell'Erba, president of BCC Castellana Grotte and of Federcasse, and parliamentarians Patty L'Abbate, senator, and Ubaldo Pagano, deputy.
