Castellana Caves, Castellana Grotte

Nestled in the town of Castellana Grotte, in the heel of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula, the Castellana Caves are a natural marvel and a must-visit destination for any tourist exploring the region of Puglia. Known in Italian as "Grotte di Castellana," these subterranean caves are celebrated for their breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, as well as their enchanting underground landscapes.

Discovered in 1938 by the speleologist Franco Anelli, the Castellana Caves are a prime example of karst topography, where the dissolution of limestone has created an extensive network of caves and tunnels. The caves extend for a total of 3 kilometers, with the deepest point reaching about 122 meters below the surface.

The guided tour of the caves is an awe-inspiring journey through different chambers, each with its unique formations and characteristics. One of the highlights is the "Grotta Bianca" or "White Cave," known to be one of the most beautiful caves in the world, thanks to its dazzling white alabaster walls.

The temperature inside the caves remains constant at about 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing for tours to run year-round. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as the environment is cool and humid. The standard tour takes around 50 minutes, while the complete tour, which includes the White Cave, lasts approximately 2 hours.

The Castellana Caves are not only a tourist attraction but also a site of scientific interest, with researchers studying the geological formations and the ecosystem within. The caves are home to a variety of fauna, including species of bats and troglobitic invertebrates that have adapted to life in the dark.