100% accessible caves
No more barriers
VISITS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
Grotte di Castellana srl works daily to ensure the possibility of accessible visits and itineraries for all visitors with disabilities, also through the methods, itineraries and technological tools identified in the“100% Accessible Caves” project.
Thanks to a team of specialist staff, visitors can safely experience the sensory delights offered by the underground environment. No more barriers – beauty should be for everyone.
Possible visits
There are two types of visits: both available by booking and subject to verification of the visitor's disability conditions:
The special visit The special tour, which operates at dedicated times and under specific arrangements, lasts approximately 90 minutes – a timeframe designed to accommodate guests with disabilities whilst also allowing family members and carers to fully enjoy the tranquillity of the cave’s sights and sounds in a magical atmosphere.
The group, guided and assisted by specialized operators, accesses the gigantic Grave, the first cavern on the Castellana Caves tourist route, via elevators and follows an accessible route of approximately 400 meters that goes from the Grave to the Caverna della Fonte.
The visit to the White Cave, which is more demanding in terms of duration (about 3 hours) and route (3 km round trip). Compared to the special tour, the group, guided and assisted by specialized guides, covers the entire Castellana Caves itinerary.
Visits to the White Cave are only possible if certain minimum feasibility conditions are met.
The tour may be preceded by an introductory session at the “Franco Anelli” Speleological Museum (outside the lifts) or concluded there at the end of the activity (both available only upon the group’s request). The service includes IT and telephone support and assistance from the beginning of the "dedicated tour" until the final greetings. Accessibility is guaranteed for wheelchairs up to 65 cm wide. The Castellana Caves has a limited number of wheelchairs available.
Disability card holders must go directly to the ticket office: a free ticket is available for the disability card holder and a reduced ticket for one companion (if in a wheelchair, please contact 3807143284).
Integrated workshops
Thanks to integrated workshops, the integration and celebration of diverse abilities, a visit to the Castellana Caves is undoubtedly a special experience – a symbolic journey that fosters a connection between the human body and the body of Mother Earth. Participants will be guided to listen, exploring and embracing the musicality of Nature with all their senses. The natural environment of the Castellana Caves is not merely a physical place but also a ‘native-emotional’ space to be discovered in every stone, every rock, every drop, every form. The workshops include a preparatory psycho-sensory-bodily session prior to the visit, designed to equip participants (groups or students) with theoretical knowledge and personal tools for listening and curiosity, enabling them to immerse themselves in the underground environment rich in proprioceptive, tactile, auditory and synaesthetic stimuli, so that they become active explorers and protagonists of their own journey, together with their companions.
The visit is followed by a session to reflect on the experiences through all forms of expression.
Groups, times and bookings
CASTELLANA CAVES ARE ALSO ACCESSIBLE TO GROUPS
The caves are accessible to individuals, as well as to groups with different disabilities, wheelchairs users and their families or carers.
The number of specialized guides is appropriate to the composition of the group.
The excursion is suitable for people with physical, mental, intellectual-relational, and sensory disabilities.
Visitors are required to complete an information form to assess their physical and mental condition and their suitability for the microclimate and specific characteristics of the cave environment.
OPENING TIMES AND DURATION OF THE VISIT
The Caves are open at specific times (9.00 am and 14.00 pm)
Short itinerary: approximately 90 minutes
Full itinerary (up to the White Cave): approximately 3 hours
IN PUGLIA ALL YEAR ROUND
As thethe karst site is open all year round, visitors can enjoy a tour in any season thanks to the constant temperature inside the caves .
AFTERNOON VISIT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN AUGUST
CONTACTS AND BOOKINGS FOR VISITS DEDICATED TO THOSE WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS
Grotte di Castellana srl, as part of the project 100% Accessible Caves,
provides a dedicated channel for obtaining information and booking your visit.
A reservation is required.
You can call the number +39 080.499.8211 or write an email to segreteria@grottedicastellana.it