Shell Grotto, Underground shell mosaic in Margate, England
Shell Grotto is an underground chamber system in Margate whose vaulted passages and rooms are entirely covered with shell mosaics. The walls extend through several interconnected spaces, all decorated from ceiling to floor.
James Newlove discovered the grotto in 1835 when his son dug into a hidden entrance while excavating a pond. Since then, researchers have tried to determine the age and original purpose of the structure without reaching final answers.
The shells come mostly from the English Channel and the Mediterranean, with scallops, oysters, and cockles forming the complex geometric figures. Many visitors recognize suns, trees, and interwoven bands in the patterns, which recall ancient symbols.
The entrance is on a quiet side street in Margate, and the underground temperature stays cool throughout the year. A narrow descent leads into the passages, which can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Research from 2007 connected the layout of the passages to a Roman structure beneath the Palatine Hill in Rome. This similarity led to speculation about Phoenician influences and a possible ritual function of the grotto.
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