Pulo di Molfetta, Natural sinkhole in Molfetta, Italy.
Pulo di Molfetta is a natural sinkhole in southern Italy that forms an oval depression carved into limestone bedrock. Multiple interconnected caves line its steep walls, including the Pillar Cave with its distinctive central rock column.
People settled here 7,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, leaving behind hut remains and animal bones. Centuries later, the site became a gunpowder production facility in the 18th century.
The name comes from decorated pottery found here that archaeologists call the Molfetta type. This ceramic style is recognized as an important marker of early pottery traditions in the region.
You will walk along natural paths that descend the sinkhole walls, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are essential. Exploring the caves requires attention to uneven surfaces and you may need a flashlight to see inside properly.
In the late 1700s a nitrate processing plant operated here where workers extracted mineral crystals from the ground. This production facility was hidden within the caves and served the local gunpowder industry.
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