The caves were first mentioned in the 17th century, but it was not until the 20th century that they were systematically explored. The Italian speleologist and professor Anelli played a major role in their discovery, mapping and subsequent opening to the public. Thanks to his work, the Grotte di Castellana gradually became one of the most important karst sites in Europe.
The total length of the cave system is 3,348 metres and the deepest parts reach up to 122 metres below the surface. The average temperature inside the caves is around 16.5 °C throughout the year, making them a popular destination even during the hot summer months. There are two official tour routes to choose from. The shorter tour lasts approximately one hour and offers a basic overview of the stalactite decoration and the geological development of the caves. The longer tour, which takes about an hour and a half, goes into greater depth and includes a visit to the famous Grotte Bianca.
The long tour is approximately three kilometres long and goes at a depth of around 70 metres below the surface. Along the way, you can admire impressive halls, stalactites, stalagmites and bizarre stalactite formations of various shapes and colours that have been created over thousands of years. The descent into the caves is via a long staircase, while the return to the surface is provided bythe return to the surface is by a comfortable elevator, making the tour manageable even for less able visitors.
The Grotte di Castellana are a unique combination of natural beauty, geological history and tourist comfort. They are the ideal destination for those who want to discover more than just beaches and historic towns on a trip to Puglia and get a glimpse of the fascinating world beneath the earth's surface.
