Castellana Caves

Rightly called the “Wonder of Puglia”, the Castellana Caves are a complex of underground cavities of karst origin, located in the Municipality of Castellana Grotte, in the south-eastern Murge of the Apulian region.

The corridors, tunnels, and caves wind for a length of 3348 meters at a depth of about 70 meters, descending to a maximum of 122 meters from the surface.

Visiting the Castellana Caves means living a unique experience. In an astonishing scenery, you will cross caves with fantastic names, canyons, and deep abysses as well as discover fossils, stalactites, stalagmites, and concretions with incredible shapes and unexpected colors. A surprising visit that transports the visitor into a wonderful world, whose history dates back to ninety/one hundred million years ago.

Among others, there are two most surprising caves. The first, the one from which the tourist route begins, is the Grave. A large cave, which is distinguished by an opening at the top to put the underground world in communication with the outside world. The sinkhole, created naturally, lets the light filter inside the cave, creating extraordinary light effects.

Another cave leaves everyone breathless: the White Cave. Elegant and majestic, it fascinates for the richness and whiteness of the alabaster. A truly unmissable show.

The Castellana Caves are open all year round.

In an astonishing scenery between stalactites and stalagmites, fossils and caverns, the tourist route develops for about 3 km – 1.5 km one way and the same on the way back.

The total time of a visit is around 120 minutes.

It is an easy and accessible-to-all route; it is no coincidence that the Castellana Caves are also open to visitors with disabilities.

Each visit to the Cave is led by a multilingual guide and a tour leader.

The temperature inside the Caves ranges from 14 °C – 57.2 °F and 18 °C – 64.4 °F. For the descent it is therefore advisable to wear suitable clothing for the above-mentioned temperature and shoes that allow an easy excursion, that is sneakers or shoes with a flat rubber sole.

For visiting hours, which vary from season to season, it is advisable to consult the calendar published on the Castellana Caves website.