Grotta di Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Cave features a large natural chamber formed at the intersection of carbonate rocks from the lower Paleozoic period within the San Giovanni mine complex.

In April 1952, a miner discovered this geological formation while creating an air hole during excavation work at the abandoned San Giovanni mine near Pozzo Carolina.

The cave bears the name of Saint Barbara, who miners traditionally regard as their protective saint, reflecting the deep connection between faith and mining communities.

Visitors can access the cave through guided tours that include transportation by motorized train and elevator, followed by a descent via spiral staircase.

The cave walls display brown tabular crystals of baryte and blue aragonite, minerals that formed during the Ordovician period over 450 million years ago.

Location: Iglesias

Phone: +390781491300

Website: https://dati.beniculturali.it/lodview/mibact/luoghi/resource/CulturalInstituteOrSite/103347.html

GPS coordinates: 39.28250,8.49475

Latest update: March 3, 2025 12:00