GROTTA DI SU MANNAU

The tourist trail through the caves is around 500 metres long, with a series of footbridges and stairways that require a good level of fitness. It offers the chance to visit an archaeological and speleological site of great importance and beauty. The cave was already frequented by ancient populations. The first room was used for pagan water worship, as attested by the fragments of votive lamps found on site. This is followed by the Sonno (sleep) room, with an enormous pine tree lined with tiny calcite crystals and endless stalactites. This cave is believed to be one of the oldest in the world. Lake Pensile is home to a species of isopod crustaceans visible to the naked eye, the stenasellus (isopod crustaceans). The trail climbs up and down the rock faces to reach the Ribaldone chamber, the highest and widest on the site. A spring and small lakes can be observed along the way, which takes visitors through a corridor surrounded by white stalactites, to the Pozzo Rodriguez, where an 8-metre column formed by the meeting of a stalactite and a stalagmite can be admired. Spelunking enthusiasts can book guided tours of an 8 km route reserved for them, which will take them down to a depth of 1.5 km. All the necessary equipment is provided by the association organizing the excursions (3 to 8 hours). Not to be missed on your trip!