Discover the hidden wonders of the Apulian subsoil in the Castellana Caves, a fascinating journey among thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites.
The Castellana Caves I’m not just one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Italy, but a real journey into the geological history of our planet. This article will guide you through their discovery, exploration and practical information for visiting them, making your experience unique and unforgettable. Prepare to immerse yourself in an environment where nature and history blend in an unparalleled sensory experience. Together we will explore the secrets hidden in the depths of these extraordinary geological formations.
A journey through geological time
The Castellana Caves They are in the heart of Pugliaprecisely in municipality of Castellana Grotte, a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Formed approximately 90 million years ago during the Cretaceous period, these caves are the result of a long geological process in which water slowly eroded the limestone, creating a cave complex that we can explore today.
Your adventure in the Castellana Caves begins with Serious, the enormous natural chasm that serves as the main entrance. Here, the visual impact is immediate: a gigantic hole in the ground that leads to an underground world of rare beauty. Continuing, you will find yourself in front of the Black Caveso called because of its dark walls, which contrast with the brilliant white calcite formations.
During the tour, you can’t help but notice the White Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the world for the brightness and purity of its concretions. The limestone formations, which include stalactites and stalagmites, create almost unreal sceneries, with colors and shapes that seem sculpted by an artist. Each room you visit will tell you a story spanning millions of years, a natural display of geological art that changes shape and color with every step.
Modern exploration and tourist accessibility
Despite their ancient formation, the Castellana Caves were discovered by the outside world only relatively recently. The first documented exploration dates back to 1938, when the geologist Franco Anelli decided to explore what until then was considered only a dangerous abyss. Since that time, the caves have been the subject of numerous explorations which have made it possible to map the vast network of caves and underground corridors.
Today, the Castellana Caves are completely accessible to tourists thanks to well-maintained paths and lighting systems that guarantee safety during the visit. You can choose between different routes: the short route, which lasts about 50 minutes, and the complete route, which will take you into the heart of the caves for approximately 2 hours of visit. Each route is guided by expert speleologists who not only ensure a safe visit, but enrich the experience with anecdotes and detailed information on the geological and historical characteristics of the caves.
Practical information for the visit
Before planning your visit to the Castellana Caves, there is some useful information you should consider. First, it’s important check the opening hours, which vary depending on the season. During the summer, the caves are generally open from 9:00 to 19:00, while in the winter the hours may be reduced.
As for the tickets, the price varies based on age and the type of route chosen. Reduced rates are available for children, students and seniors, and advantageous packages can often be found for families or groups. Recommended book in advanceespecially during high season, to avoid long waits and secure a place on the guided tour.
Getting to the Castellana Caves is easy, both by car and public transport. If you travel by car, access is facilitated by the proximity of the main road arteries in the region. By train, Castellana Grotte station is well connected and, once you arrive, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to reach the entrance of the caves.
In conclusion, visiting the Castellana Caves offers a unique experience, which combines adventure, history and natural beauty. An excursion into the depths of the earth that will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this geological treasure hidden in the heart of Puglia.
photo © stock.adobe
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