Grotta del Cavallo

Grotta del Cavallo is a limestone cave in Nardò with a rounded entrance that opens toward the Mediterranean coast. The site contains multiple layers of deposits that record different periods when humans lived and used the shelter.

The cave formed during an interglacial period when sea levels were higher, and later became a shelter for early humans. Archaeological work in the 1960s uncovered dental remains that provided evidence of occupation during the Paleolithic age.

The cave holds evidence of the Uluzzian culture through stone tools and shell bead ornaments from the Upper Paleolithic period. These objects show how early people expressed creativity and crafted objects for everyday life and adornment.

The entrance is closed to the public to protect the site from damage and preserve its archaeological value. Visitors can observe the cave from the outside and enjoy views of the rocky coastline and Mediterranean landscape.

The cave holds dental remains roughly 45,000 years old that rank among the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in Europe. This discovery made the site significant for understanding how early humans spread across the continent.