In the thick vegetation among the Quisisana woods in Castellammare di Stabia, important testimonies of the past continue to emerge, thanks to the commitment of the members of the Archeoclub d’Italia aps Stabiae.
From explorations carried out in inaccessible places in the Quisisana woods on Monte Coppola, two karst caves were rediscovered, the existence of which only a few knew.
The latest important discovery was made yesterday morning in the Rio Calcarella, where the “Indiana Jones” from Stabia explored an ancient cave not yet registered, going underground.
A CAVE WITH STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES ON MONTE COPPOLA
“The history of Castellammare is enriched by a new discovery: a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, and a waterfall with a drop of about ten metres. – said Massimo Santaniello, president of the Archeoclub d’Italia aps Stabiae.
“After hours of research and a good dose of risk and healthy recklessness we discovered the cave that the locals had told us about, but which very few people were able to see.”
The cave, as communicated by the members of the Archeoclub based in Castellammare, is in fact located approximately 35 meters deep on the most accessible side of the rocky slope.
“We were on the verge of abandoning, finally four of us went down and I have to say that it was worth it. – noted Massimo Santaniello.
“The natural cavity was inspected with the geologist Dr. Valerio Buonomo, who will show us the aspects of the geological formation.”
“The discovery was possible thanks to the invaluable help of Francesco and Luigi, two local workers who know the area well, and their partner Pasquale Donnarumma, a hiking guide.”
In the same area last week another karst cave was explored by members of the Archeoclub aps Stabiae, inside which an important discovery was made.
“While we were exploring the Grotta del Santissimo on Monte Coppola, registered only in 2004 in the register of karst caves in Campania with the no. 584, a circular construction was found – explained the President of the Archeoclub of Castellammare.
A MYSTERIOUS CONSTRUCTION
“Made entirely of exposed gray tuff, its entrance is formed by an ogee arch and the structure does not have its own roof, but uses that of the natural cavity, about ten meters deep.”
“A construction that seems to have a different destination from the limestone stones present on the hill and with an inverted cone shape. – noted Massimo Santaniello.
Its function is yet to be discovered: it could not have been a kiln, because there is no stone quarry nearby and there is no road that makes transport possible, but only a narrow, very steep path.
Furthermore, it was not built in limestone and there are no traces of smoke on the walls due to cooking. At the moment, its purpose remains a mystery.
OTHER IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES OF THE APS STABIAE ARCHEOCLUB
“For years the Archeoclub d’Italia aps Stabiae has been dedicated to the valorization of the territory, through the study of ancient texts and explorations conducted in the field. – underlined the president of the association.
“This allowed us to reconstruct the route of the Bourbon aqueduct from Agerola to the Quisisana Woods and allowed us to discover the medieval aqueduct that supplied the Royal Palace of Quisisana in the Angevin period.”
Furthermore, thanks to the Archeoclub of Castellammare di Stabia, the large system of aqueducts which from the Amalfi Coast reached the Royal Palace of Quisisana and the coastline was recently rediscovered.
“One of the most beautiful discoveries was that of the tunnel from which water still flows today, near the San Bartolomeo spring. – She clarified.
“Its origins have been defined by the Metropolitan Superintendency of Naples as very ancient, similar in construction type to the Roman aqueducts, but only more in-depth studies will be able to certify it.”
THE EXPLORATIONS CONTINUE
The exploration work of the Archeoclub d’Italia aps Stabiae is aimed at understanding the territory where historiography is very sparse.
“Only by re-exploring places abandoned for decades can we rediscover the beauty of the area and the geological formation, as in the case of the karst caves on the Monte Coppola hill.” – highlighted Massimo Santaniello.
“We are on the trail of other cavities that are completely unknown because they are located in almost inaccessible places and we are convinced that by continuing to explore the riverbeds we will find interesting things, because the inaccessible place has allowed their conservation.”
“We do not presume to be discoverers, but the research work will help to reveal information that has never emerged before.”
“We know that Monte Coppola was an area frequented by the Samnites, who had built a temple and a necropolis there, therefore, sooner or later ancient structures, never noticed before, will emerge. – concluded the President of the territorial headquarters of the important association.
On behalf of all citizens, we thank the Archeoclub d’Italia aps Stabia for the significant work of rediscovering and valorising the cultural and natural heritage of our territory.
In light of the new and relevant historical-environmental evidence found on Monte Coppola, the agreement recently signed between the Municipality of Castellammare and the Municipality of Pimonte appears increasingly out of place, for the transformation of 230 m of the CAI 334 path into a former road new.
We have already discussed this execrable project, which would convey inter-municipal traffic through the Quisisana Woods and the Bourbon site “Le Fontane del Re” in two previous articles.
THE PHOTOS:
