Castellana Grotte, Cave system and commune in Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy
Castellana Grotte is a limestone town in the Metropolitan City of Bari featuring an underground cave system that runs for about 3 kilometers beneath the surface with multiple chambers. The passages contain natural white formations and mineral deposits shaped over thousands of years by flowing water.
The cave system was discovered and documented in 1938 by Franco Anelli, which brought attention to the area as a major geological site. Since that discovery, the region has developed into a place where people study and explore the underground landscape.
The town has become a gathering place for people fascinated by underground geology, where the caves connect visitors to the natural heritage of Apulia. This underground world shapes how locals think about their land and attracts people who want to experience raw geological beauty.
Daily guided tours lead visitors safely through the underground chambers, and wearing sturdy shoes and bringing a light jacket is recommended. The cave temperature stays cool year-round, so dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable during your visit.
The Grotta Bianca, the innermost chamber of the system, stands out with its brilliant white alabaster formations that reflect light differently from other cave sections. This particular chamber displays mineral deposits that gleam like polished material, creating an almost unreal quality.
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