Cave of Alghero, Marine limestone cave at Capo Caccia, Sardinia, Italy.
The Cave of Alghero is a marine limestone cavern at Capo Caccia in Sardinia that extends roughly 4 kilometers underground. It features an intricate network of passages with hanging stalactites, rising stalagmites, and several salt lakes contained within its chambers.
Local fishermen discovered this geological formation in the 18th century, though evidence points to human presence dating back to the 6th millennium BC. The cavern was later developed as a tourist destination and remains a popular attraction in the region.
The cave is divided into several chambers that visitors can explore, each with distinctive names that reflect how people have understood and valued this place over time. The spaces serve as a gathering point for guided tours, where locals and travelers come together to experience the geological wonders.
Visitors can reach the cavern by boat departing from Alghero or by descending approximately 654 steps along the clifftop pathway called Escala del Cabirol. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are recommended, as the ground is uneven and the interior maintains a cool, constant temperature.
The cavern contains Lake Lamarmora, one of Europe's largest salt lakes, alongside a stalagmite formation roughly 2 meters tall that resembles a baptismal font. These two features stand out as the most striking formations within the cavern.
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