Discover Southern Mediterranean Italy through Caves

 Discover Southern Mediterranean Italy through Caves INDEX
1. Summary of the Interregional Corridor Caves
2. The Caves of Campania
3. The Caves of Calabria
4. The Caves of Sicily
5. Sites and Links
1. Summary of the Interregional Corridor Caves
Today there are thousands of Caves on our Planet. The mysteries of the underworld, including
myths, legends and works of fantasy, have always held a great fascination (almost ancestral) for
adults and children alike.
Caves were the first refuge of man. They were also the refuge of hermits, religious communities,
and the seat of archaic cults, as shown by: Paleolithic cave paintings, engravings and artifacts from
the Minoan era. Even in a more advanced phase of society, as evidenced by numerous architectural
remains related to the Roman Empire, natural caves were used for the storage of food (including
drying and fish farming). There was widespread use of artificial caves during the imperial age, as
elegant environments for relaxation and for meditation, as well as the source of mythologicalreligious inspiration.
Even from a geological point of view caves have always been an extraordinary and unique archive
providing information on the evolution of the climate and on geological events over the ages.
The paths created for the public within the caves apply strict rules and security policies that make
the experience safe as well as unique.
A visit to a cave is a magical journey of discovery of large spaces carved into the rock, filled with
stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary shapes and colours, and with underground rivers and
lakes that will captivate any visitor.
The routes proposed were established with the support of the Italian Association of Tourist Caves
(AGTI, grotteturistiche.it), which coordinates and promotes the underground routes guaranteeing
them with a specific "quality mark" and ensuring adequate safety standards. They are part of the
AGTI network of twenty-one of Italy's most famous caves, 2 of which are included in this
Interregional Corridor: the Caves of Castelcivita (Salerno in Campania, SA) and the Cave of the
Angel in Pertosa (SA).
In the three regions we have selected some of the most beautiful caves for visitors to enjoy the
mythological atmosphere of past ages!
Campania
The Carsico world in Campania is an immense geological resource, as well as an amazing land for
exploration.
Calabria
Calabria is a region rich in natural caves, mostly concentrated in the North, where there are
extensive outcrops of (Carsificabili) rocks and where, moreover, major research projects and
speleological explorations have taken place.
Sicily
The caves of Sicily highlight the wonders of nature and are witnesses of a distant past when they
represented a shelter for animals and humans. Visiting these caves can be an alternative way to
discover Sicily and to learn about its history prior to the arrival of the Greeks, Romans and
Byzantines. 2. The Caves of Campania
2.1 The Cave of Caliendo in the Province of Avellino
GPS 40.832067, 15.070836
A little under 4 km long, the main gallery of the cave was excavated by an outlet of Lake
Laceno, one of the most important attractions of the province of Avellino. Lying at an altitude
150 m above sea level, the waters of this lake have been absorbed during different centuries at
various different points of the Altipiano.
The cave is open to the public under the supervision of caving guides. The route includes an
underground cave with an average gradient of 8.4%, and an elevation gain of a maximum of 202
meters, with a winding walk from west to east. Recent research has identified one extension of
the overall path of 4,114 meters. The internal temperature of the cave is about 8 °, with a
relative humidity of 100%.
Although partially active, the cave is currently going through a phase of gradual transition to
fossil state. Access to the cave is via a spectacular large entrance (50 meters high) cut into the
rock, full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Contacts
Comune di Bagnoli Irpino (Avellino, AV) - via Roma n° 19 - 83043 –
Tel. +39 0827 62003, Pro loco: http://www.prolocobagnoli-laceno.org/
http://www.bagnoli-laceno.it/bagnoli-irpino/territorio_caliendo.php 2.2 Cave of Castelcivita in Province of Salerno
GPS 40.495675, 15.209014
The Castelcivita Caves are one of the largest speleological complexes in southern Italy, with 1,200
meters out of 4,800 meters developed as tourist routes.
The complex known as "Devil's Cave", " Spartacus Cave" or “Principe of Piemonte Cave", opens
at about 94 meters above sea level, between the banks of the river Calore and the south-western side
of Alburni mountain . From its start the path a passes a fascinating scene of galleries, wide spaces
and narrow corridors, dug out as a result of karst erosion, delighting the eyes of the visitor. The
cave is well developed (6 km long), of which about 900 meters are open to the public. Of great
importance is the discovery, inside the cave, of a prehistoric site dating back to the Paleolithic
period.
The Cave is equipped with audio guides in French, English, Russian, Spanish and German.
CONTACTS
Comune di Castelcivita (SA), Piazzale Nicola Zonzi, 84020,
info@grottedicastelcivita.com, http://www.grottedicastelcivita.com
Tel.
0828
772397,
On the website of the Cave you will also find restaurants and farms nearby, to be able to take
refreshment after visiting the Cave.
2.3 Cave of Pertosa-Auletta in the Province of Salerno
GPS 40.537491, 15,454970
The Caves of Pertosa-Auletta represent the
largest complex of caves in Campania, and
one of the best known of all southern Italy. With an overall length of about 3 km, the underground
routes are made unique by a proto-historicbuilding inside the cavern and the presence of the Negro,
an underground river with a considerable flow of water coming from the depths. This feature
enables you to experience a fascinating boat trip through the underground corridors, immersed in a
magical silence, where light and shadow meet and mingle in
a spectacular show.
It is possible to visit the Caves of Pertosa-Auletta every day!
CONTACTS
Comune di Pertosa (SA) , Tel +39 0975 397037.
info@grottedipertosa-auletta.it , http://grottedipertosa-auletta.it
And if you come with the whole family, children pay only € 1!
The Guided visits will be conducted by expert guides who will give you the opportunity to choose
between different packages of different price and duration:
-
The complete path is a journey of 100 minutes, Length: 1500 metres walk, 400 metres by
boat
The partial route is a route of 75 minutes, Length: 1200 meters walk, 200 by boat
The tourist route is a route of 60 minutes, Length: 1000 meters walk, 200 meters by boat.
Near the cave, there is a beautiful Museum of Arts and Cultures
2.4 Cave Risorgente di Bussento in the Province of Salerno
GPS 40,13808 ° N 15,55021 ° E
Le grotte si trovano in una splendida oasi del WWF che prende il nome dalla presenza della "Grotte
del Bussento".
WWF has decided to create "nature paths" so that everyone can appreciate and enjoy this
spectacular natural environment. The entrance, which is walkable, allows the visitor to admire the
interior of the cavern for a large stretch. Adding to the fascination of the visit is the substantial river
Bussento, that emerges impressively from the bowels of the earth that pass for the territory of
Morigerati (SA) for about 7 kmThe bottom of the river gorge Bussento is a rich habitat
characterized by a vegetation of mosses, ferns, willows and many other trees. This area is also home
to a varied fauna. The waterways are dominated by otters, perhaps the richest presence in Italy. The
aquatic fauna is characterized by the presence of trout, shrimp and crabs. Among the most
significant animals in the area are birds, including birds of prey such as kestrels and . red kite
(milvus milvus)
Absolute particularity is the presence of the imperial raven. CONTACTS
Comune di Morigerati (SA), +39 0974-982016
http://www.grottedimorigerati.it
Pro Loco: https://www.facebook.com/proloco.morigerati
Features path: The path is 1 kilometer in length, with a journey time of 1 hour, at an altitude of
130 meters. It is of medium difficulty, and the recommended period to visit this trail is SpringAutumn.
Equipment: hiking shoes, water bottle, flashlight, binoculars, camera,
and ... such a great desire to be enthralled by nature!
Otter Bussento
3. The Caves of Calabria
3.1 Caves of Romito,
GPS 39.913291,15.931179
This is an important Paleolithic site located on the banks of the river Lao, inside the Pollino
National Park, the largest wildlife park in Italy that adjoins the three provinces of Matera, Potenza
and Cosenza.
Calabria contains 3 fantastic parks to visit in succession starting from the enchanting Pollino Park
Basilicata, through the Park of Sila to the Aspromonte Park overlooking the Ionian and
Tyrrhenian seas.
The Pollino with its 2,267 meters. facing the Aeolian Islands, Sila with Mount Botte Donato at
1,928 meters. Aspromonte with His 1,956 meters.
Pollino National Park
The cave extends about 34 meters from east to west. Inside, on a boulder, stands a large figure of
Bos primigenius, an ancestor of the bull, carved 10,000 years ago, and about 1.20 meters long. The
figure is engraved on a stone of about 2.30 meters long and inclined at 45 degrees. Homo sapiens
has lived very intensely in the cave, leaving countless testimonies of his passage: bone tools,
graffiti and the remains of skeletons. CONTACTS
Comune di Papasidero (Cosenza, CS) papasidero@pec.it ; Via Municipio, Tel. +39 0981- 83078
http://www.papasidero.info/la-grotta-del-romito/
Proloco : info@pro-locopapasidero.org
On its website, under "info", the City of Papasidero provides a number of useful locations, ranging
from restaurant to pharmacies, which will serve to make your trip more comfortable.
You just have to discover and explore this amazing cave full of surprises!
3.2 Cave of Sant'Angelo in the Province of Cosenza
The cavern, which is open to the public, is one of the most important in Calabria. Rich in calcite
formations, it contains within it a gypsum mine. The excavations in the cave have revealed evidence
of human presence from the Neolithic age to the beginning of the era of metals . It also contains
special vegetation that grows in the complete absence of light, developing vertically, from bottom to
top.
CONTACTS
Referente: Prof. Gaetano ZACCATO, Via Diaz 131- 87011, Cassano allo Ionio (CS)
Tel. +39 0981 76816, info@cassanoalloionio.info,
Proloco : papasidero@pec.it
The cave can be visited by adults and children offering the opportunity to make a wonderful family
trip. Children under 6 enter free!!. The staff of the Cave take visitors on this spectacular journey,
with routes that can also be combined with a visit to the nearby picturesque village.
.
3.3 Cave of Monaca in Province of Cosenza
GPS Lat. 39 ° 15 ° 58'32 37'40''Long '
The cave has its geological origins in the Plio-Pleistocene era (3.5 million years ago) and is located
in the upper valley of the river Esaro, along the southern borders of the National Park of Pollino. It
has one of the oldest prehistoric mines of Italy and the Mediterranean. The mining sites recognized
by archaeologists were aimed at the exploitation of iron ore and copper. The cave is 500 metres
long, and is accessible through a spectacular and easy path between rocks.
The cave is divided into three areas: 1) the pregrotta with its large entrance; 2) the "hall of the bats,"
a great environment in a central position; 3) and "tunnels terminals" arranged in a series of low and
narrow tunnels.
CONTACTS
Sant'Agata d'Esaro (CS), http://www.archeopollino.it/Monaca_it.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAdEMonaca
Pro loco : https://www.facebook.com/nuova.proloco
3.4 Cave Santa Maria della Stella in the Province of Reggio Calabria
GPS 38 ° 28'04.8 "N 16 ° 26'56.04" E
This is one of the most famous caves of the province of Reggio Calabria and is located in an area of
great importance for Italian-Greek hermits who visited frequently. It is still an important place of
Marian devotion. By means of a lift you can go down to the underground sanctuary and from there
to all other areas dedicated to religion,. Here are to be found frescoes on the rock walls symbolizing
the Christian themes (of the Saints and of the Nativity of Christ).
Destination for religious tourism. CONTACTS
Località Monte Stella, Comune di Pazzano (RC) 89040, Tel . +39 347 3690956, Don Enzo Chiodo
http://www.santuariomontestella.it Pro loco : http://pazzano.blogspot.it/ Payment of the small entrance fee contributes to the maintenance of the Sanctuary.
Referent Don Enzo Chiodo Rector of the shrine.
Also made available to tourists / pilgrims is the Religious House of Hospitality "La Vetta".
ospitalita@santuariodellastella.it
This is a friendly place to spend their holidays with a perfect blend of relaxation and spirituality
4. The Caves in Sicilia
4.1 Cave of Genovese,
GPS 37.93027,12.328416
This is an important prehistoric cave situated above the sea. The cavern is important for the
presence of artistic groups of the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras. Animal figures and artistic patterns
were drawn on the rock walls underground with many engravings and paintings. Graffiti found in
the cave date back 11-12 thousand years ago, or the final stage of the Paleolithic, and the paintings
of 5-6 thousand years ago, or better of the end of the Neolithic.
To visit the Cave of the Genovese can choose from the boat trip (weather-permitting maritime) or
off-road. Arriving at the cave, the guide will take you inside.
Landed at the port of Levanzo will be sufficient in touch with our counter where an employee will give you all the information regarding the tours. Come visit this charming island of Sicily! CONTACTS
Via Calvario, 91100 Levanzo (TP), Tel. +39 339/7418800 e 0923/924032,
info@grottadelgenovese.it , http://www.grottadelgenovese.it Pro loco : http://www.isoleegadi.net/numeri-­‐utili-­‐Egadi.htm 4.2 Cave of Uzzo in Province ofTrapani
GPS 38°04'54,19'' N - 12°48'30,60'' E
Located in the Zingaro Nature Reserve one of the few stretches of the Sicilian coast not
contaminated by the presence of a road is the path of important natural value and allows to reach the
cave, a place of the prehistoric human settlement dating back to 10,000 years ago.
CONTACTS
Comune di San Vito lo Capo (Trapani), Tel. +39 0923 974300
info@riservazingaro.it
Pro loco : ufficioturistico@comune.sanvitolocapo.tp.it
In addition to appreciating the Beautiful Cave of Uzzo you have the possibility to cross one of the
most Charming and spectacular reserves of Italy!
4.3 Cave of Neve in the Province of Catania
GPS 37 ° 48'22 "N 14 ° 59'00" E
The cave is located in the Municipality of Saint Alfio, in the district Plano delle donne, in the north
eastern side of Etna volcano, at an altitude of 1545 m above sea level, which develops into a
prehistoric magmatic flow covered with dense forest.
This is an important lava cave located near the Etna volcano.
The name is due to the fact that during the eighteenth century, its cool interior was used for the
storage of snow. The natural structure of the cave, in fact, has been partially modified to transform
the gallery into a deposit for snow . It is one of the oldest existing lava caves used for snow storage.
CONTACTS
Comune di Sant’Alfio (Catania, CT), in contrada Piano delle Donne, Tel. +39 0959 68772
http://www.etnasci.it/territorio-e-ambiente/itinerari-e-luoghi-sicilia/grotte/427-vitae-nibhvestibulum
Pro loco : http://www.isoleegadi.net/numeri-­‐utili-­‐Egadi.htm
Features of the Cave
Difficulty: easy; Period: all year; Duration: 1 hour.
Included in the itinerary of the excursion is a visit to the fissures caused by the 1928 eruption.
4.4 Cave of Cassone in the Province of Catania
GPS 15 ° 02'45,54 '' - 37 ° 41'55,75
This cave, like the previous one, originated from the volcanic lava of Etna. It has large underground
halls which explain its origin. The floor is made of lava scoriacea which makes the terrain awkward.
Inside the cavern lives a large colony of bats.
Features of the Cave:
Development: 246.1 meter, Vertical drop: 1, Hydrology: Shoal, Access: Good, Evolution:
Horizontal. Plot: Lave of 1792.
CONTACTS
Comune di Zafferana Etnea (Catania) Località: Valle del Tripodo ,
http://www.mungibeddu.it/mungibeddu/schede/095.html
Pro loco : info@prolocozafferanaetnea.it
Tel. +39 095 7082825
Etna in Eruzione
5. Sites and Links
-
AGTI: http://www.grotteturistiche.it/it/agti info@grotteturistiche.it
Department of Tourism Campania: http://www.regione.campania.it/
Department of Tourism Calabria: info.turiscalabria@regcal.it - m.borgese@regcal.it
www.turiscalabria.it/
Department of Tourism Sicilia: urp.dipturismo@regione.sicilia.it;
http://www.regione.sicilia.it/turismo/web_turismo/
Pro Loco:
-
Bagnoli Irpino; http://www.prolocobagnoli-laceno.org/
Castelcivita; https://www.facebook.com/proloco.castelcivita
Pertosa; http://www.grottedipertosa.it/proloco.htm
Morigerati; https://it-it.facebook.com/proloco.morigerati
Papasidero; http://www.pro-locopapasidero.org/
Cassano allo Ionio; www.prolocosibari.org
Sant’Agata d’Esaro; https://www.facebook.com/nuova.proloco
Pazzano; http://pazzano.blogspot.it/
Levanzo; http://www.isoleegadi.net/numeri-utili-Egadi.htm
San Vito lo Capo; ufficioturistico@comune.sanvitolocapo.tp.it
Sant’Alfio; http://www.isoleegadi.net/numeri-utili-Egadi.htm
Zafferana Etnea; info@prolocozafferanaetnea.it
For more information on the Sites and Routes , please get in touch with the Pro Loco of the
Municipalities concerned and / or with Ance ue@ance.it
Italy Fix Number : +39 06 84567201
Belgium Fix number : +32 2 2861228
Working languages :
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