Grotta di Montevicoli


Useful Information

Location: 2 km from Ceglie Messapica along SP25
Open: Summer Mon-Sat 16-20, Sun, Hol, 10-12, 16-20.
Winter Sun 16-20.
[2012]
Fee:
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: L=50 m, T=20 °C.
Guided tours: V=28.000/a
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Grotta di Montevicoli, Tel: +39-333-5719683. E-mail: contact
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

1956 discovered.
1996 closed to the public.
2005 reopened.

Description

Although the Grotta di Montevicoli is only 50 m long, it is famous for abundant and extraordinary speleothems. It is also known for paleolithic remains.

Human bones were found in the nearby caves Grotta dell'Abate Nicola (Cave of Abbot Nicolas) and the Grotta di San Pietro (Cave of St. Peter). They were dated 30,000 years old from the Middle Paleolithic Era. The Grotta dell'Abate Nicola is entered through a 30 m long dromos, an artificial tunnel which is typical for stone age burial sites. Grotta S. Michele (Cave of St. Michael) contains famous frescoes and