{"id":6993,"date":"2025-09-26T12:35:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T10:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pugliaparadise.com\/?p=203"},"modified":"2025-11-07T14:35:32","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T13:35:32","slug":"5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-castellana-caves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pugliaparadise.com\/it\/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-castellana-caves\/","title":{"rendered":"5 things you need to know about the Castellana Caves"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring the Depths of Puglia: The Castellana Caves<\/h3>\n

Hidden beneath the gentle hills of the Valle d\u2019Itria<\/strong>, the Castellana Caves (Grotte di Castellana)<\/strong> are one of southern Italy\u2019s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Formed over 90 million years ago<\/strong>, this complex of underground caverns stretches for more than 3,300 meters<\/strong> and plunges to depths of over 120 meters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Located just a few kilometers from Alberobello<\/strong>, Polignano a Mare<\/strong>, and Monopoli<\/strong>, the caves offer a journey through geological time \u2014 an awe-inspiring world sculpted by nature\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Since opening to the public, the caves have welcomed over 15 million visitors<\/strong>, drawn by their surreal stalactites, stalagmites, and dazzling rock formations.<\/p>\n

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1. A Discovery from the Depths of Time<\/h4>\n

The caves were officially discovered on January 23, 1938<\/strong>, by the speleologist Franco Anelli<\/strong>, who entered through the chasm known as La Grave<\/em>.
For centuries, locals feared this abyss, believing it was the gateway to hell<\/strong> \u2014 a myth that only deepened the site\u2019s mystique.<\/p>\n

Anelli\u2019s exploration revealed a breathtaking network of galleries and halls, each with fantastical formations that resemble animals, faces, and abstract sculptures.<\/p>\nDISCOVER OUR LUXURY VILLAS<\/a>\n

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2. A Natural Escape from the Summer Heat<\/h4>\n

Inside the Castellana Caves, the temperature remains a constant 17\u00b0C (63\u00b0F)<\/strong> all year round, with humidity levels near 90%<\/strong>.
This makes the caves a refreshing retreat<\/strong> during Puglia\u2019s hot summer months \u2014 and an ideal family-friendly experience even on rainy days.<\/p>\n

Bring a light jacket or sweater, comfortable shoes, and prepare to step into another world beneath the Apulian soil.<\/p>\n

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3. Choose Your Journey: Two Routes, One Wonder<\/h4>\n

Visitors can choose between two guided routes:<\/p>\n