Not many tourists know that in some Italian regions there are also some stunning caves.
So, if you want to see something different during your holidays in Italy, in this article I’ll talk about two beautiful caves you can visit.
GROTTE DI CASTELLANA
The Caves of Castellana are one of the most famous and beautiful caves in Italy.
These are karst caves dating back to the upper Cretaceous.
They were discovered by Franco Anelli in Apulia in 1938.
The complex is formed by different caves: La Grave, Caverna Nera, Grotta Bianca and Caverna del Precipizio.
The Caves of Castellana are 3348 meters long and when you visit them, you can choose between two tours: a complete tour and a partial tour.
The complete tour lasts more or less 2 hours and covers a path of 3 km. The partial tour, instead lasts more or less 50 minutes and covers a path of 1km.
The temperature of the caves can go from 14° C to 18 °C depending on the season, so be sure to bring also warm clothes with you.
In the caves you’ll see spectacular stalagtites, stalagmites, and concretions. You can also see some of the animals living there, usually bats, but if you’re lucky enough you can also see a special type of grasshoppers.
For information about prices and opening hours, plese visit the official website of Grotte di Castellana.
GROTTA DEL VENTO
The Grotta del Vento, the cave of the wind, is located in Fabbriche di Vergemoli, a town in Tuscany.
This is one of the most known and beautiful caves in Italy both in Italy and in Europe.
The cave is 4500 metes long and 120 meters high. It has been named Grotta del vento because inside it there’s always some wind.
When you visit the cave, you can choose between three routes.
The first route lasts one hour and you’ll see many different limestone formations.
The second route lasts two hours. In addition to limestone formations, you’ll see many erosions, mud formations and a little underground river.
The third route lasts three hours. In addition to limestone and mud formations, erosions, and an underground river, you’ll also climb a shaft and you’ll see an underground canyon.
All the three routes are cemented and have metal railings and artificial lighting.
If you really like adventure and you’re not afraid of heights, there are also two more routes that can be perfect for you.
These routes are for the most part vertical, so they require some physical preparation.
If you choose these routes, you’ll be accompanied by expert speleologists. There will be no walkways, and you’ll climb ladders and walls tied to safety ropes.
The adventure tours can only be made by reservation.
The temperature of Grotta del Vento is 10°C, so remember to dress properly. For other indications about what to wear, opening hours and prices, please visit the official website of Grotta del Vento.
Did you already know these two beautiful caves in Italy? Have you already visited them? Did you like them?
Credits
Original photo by sdrennan
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