Cavallone Cave

The Cavallone Caves are located at an altitude of 1475 meters above sea level on a wall that flanks the Valley of Taranta Peligna in the heart of the Majella National Park. It is accessed via a cable car that offers the opportunity to appreciate spectacular views where nature is the star. Before 1894, it was accessed via ropes stretched from above. From the Belvedere, right in front of the entrance to this suggestive underground monument in the heart of the Maiella, we can catch our breath and gaze far away, from the valley to the peaks to the play of rocks and colors. Once reached the arrival station of the cable car, continue on foot along a path and the 306 steps that allow access to the large entrance. The visit takes place in the belly of the mountain where, in the light of the spotlights, it is possible to observe all aspects of the underground world and countless stalactites, stalagmites, and other structures that nature has formed over hundreds of thousands of years. The cave is also known as the Daughter of Iorio Cave in honor of Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The visits are carried out with a guide, in groups, and last about an hour. The inside constant temperature is about 10 °C – 50 °F throughout the year, humidity reaches 90% in certain points. To make the walk pleasant it is useful to have suitable clothing and footwear.

A few steps from the atrium, there is the entrance to the Devastation Gallery, where the chaos of time prevails over the harmony of forms and imagination. Going along the main road you will reach the Aligi Room, where the constant work of water is clear. Water is the true protagonist of our journey within this wonderful and unique underground world. Water is director of forms, creator of wells, tunnels, underground lakes, and mother of stalactites and stalagmites.

At the end of the Aligi Room, we find ourselves in the presence of the Sentinels, formations of stalactites and stalagmites that greet our entry into the Main Gallery. From here on it is all a succession of limestone formations and fantasy form games. Here are a few names: Elephants Hall, Statues Hall, and Hams Hall.