Grotta Romanelli, Paleolithic cave in Castro, Italy
Grotta Romanelli is a coastal cave in Castro's limestone cliffs that penetrates about 35 meters into the rock. The wide entrance chamber can be reached from both the shore and the water.
Excavations beginning in 1900 by researchers Paolo Emilio Stasi and Pasquale De Lorentiis uncovered evidence of human settlement from the Middle and Upper Paleolithic eras. The findings demonstrated that people inhabited this coastal location during both early and later prehistoric periods.
The walls display stone carvings of animals and geometric shapes made by early inhabitants. These markings show how people expressed their observations and ideas through simple visual forms.
Visitors need sturdy shoes to safely navigate the rocky ground and should coordinate access with local authorities beforehand. The cave interior can be damp and dimly lit, so prepare accordingly for the conditions you will encounter.
The cave was submerged underwater for extended periods and only rediscovered during excavations. The finds here helped researchers understand how early humans used coastal environments along southern Italy.
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