Cava d'Ispica

Useful Information

Location:	Near Modica, follow road to Rosolino for 13 km.
Open:
Fee:	Adults EUR 2. [2006]
Classification:	Cave House Catacomb Cave Tomb
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Tel: 0932-622150
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The Cava d'Ispica is a 12 km long gorge with thousands of small caves in the walls. The caves are said to be natural, but they have been modified over the centuries. They were used for habitation and as tombs. The earliest human remains are from the Neolithic era.

Several caves were used for habitation and called Spaccaforno. The locals lived in the caves until 1935, when a heavy earthquake destoyed caves and forced the inhabitants to leave. During the last years, which EU funding, the valley was transformed into a Parco Archaeologico Forza. The caves were cleaned, walls re-erected, paths, stairs and viewpoints constructed. In a former mill is a small museum and information centre. Forza is the Italian version of the Latin word Fortilitium and means fortress.

One of the highlights of the valley is the area called Larderia, close to the entrance. The word Larderia is derived from the word ardeia and means with abundant water. This is a necropole originating from the 4th to 5th century. Three tunnels are covered by graves on the floor, which are now empty.