The Grotta Gigante, or Giant's Cave, is located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, specifically in the village of Sgonico, near the city of Trieste. This impressive underground world fascinates visitors with its size, geological complexity and the beauty of the stalactite decorations.
The cave was discovered in 1840 by Austrian explorers, but real mapping and research did not begin until several decades later. The first detailed exploration was carried out by the Italian speleologist Antonio Federico Lindner in 1897. The cave was opened to the public in 1908 and has since become one of the main tourist destinations in the region.
The Grotta Gigante boasts a huge main hall that is 107 metres long, 65 metres wide and 98 metres high. This impressive size has earned it an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest tourist-accessible cave in the world. The cave is made up of limestone that has been formed over millions of years by the action of water, creating magnificent stalactites, stalagmites and stalagmites.
One of the main attractions of Grotta Gigante is its rich stalactite decoration. Visitors can admire the different formations that have evolved over thousands of years. The stalactites that hang from the ceiling and the stalagmites that grow from the floor create a stunning spectacle. Some stalactites reach several metres in height and come in a variety of shapes and colours, testifying to the incredible creativity of nature.
The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes access to the main chamber and several smaller side chambers. The cave is entered through the original opening and the way to the bottom of the cave is via a series of steps, divided into several ramps with non-slip surfaces, which offer an impressive view of the interior of the cave.
At a depth of 80 m, the largest part of the cave opens up - the Grande Caverna with incredible dimensions of 98 x 167 x 76 m, the lowest part is 101 m below the entrance level. There are stalactites and stalagmites, including the 12 m high Colonna Ruggero stalagmite, as well as a geophysical research station.
Just before the exit, the skeleton of a giant cave bear, which inhabited the area until the end of the Ice Age, is on display.
