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Caves of Castelcivita

The caves of Castelcivita represent one of the major Italian speleology complexes.

Little is known about their past: some mentions go back to the eighteenth century, while the first scientific explorations are dated 1920. It was only in 1929 that the Touring Club promoted and financed a proper expedition, followed by others, sponsored by the Italian Speleology Institute. The explorations were interrupted by the war and only resumed at a later time.

In 1962 the first lighting system made it possible to open the caves to the general public, who reacted very positively, making it possible to budget for improvements. In 1991 the lighting system was renewed in a skillful and scenographic manner which contributed to an increase in the aesthetic effect of the stalactites and stalagmites, creating fascinating effects along the entire accessible route (1700 meters, just above one mile).

The caves consist of a succession of chambers, shafts, narrow passages and galleries that pursue one another, intersecting, overlapping, and plunging down in terrifying leaps and chasms, where the horrifying and the fantastic alternate in a magic scenery, the result of erosion by underground watercourses in the presence of carbonatic rocks.

The deposits create original forms that in some cases resemble objects and figures while in others, although unlike any physical reality, create a breathtaking show. The Bertarelli cave, the area of the Pipistrelli (Bats), the Salto (Leap) the Deserto (Desert), the Grande Cascata (Great Waterfall), the Orrido (Gorge), the Boegan cave: these are some of the key points of the visit, with names derived from their discoverers or dictated by their likeness to reality. Other than these, your imagination can ascribe different meanings to every one of the underground spaces: the cave personifies itself, becomes malleable and capable of arousing consternation, fright, enthusiasm in those who come to explore these marvels and immerse themselves in a dimension beyond the boundaries of time. A visit to the caves is a definite must for travelers to this part of Italy.

External Links:

Caves of Castelcivita Official Web Site

Address: SP 488, Castelcivita.
Ph. (+39) 0828 772 397.

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