“Unique formations similar to flowers.” That’s how the Grotta della Margherita got its name. We are standing at the entrance of a cave. It is not just any cave. It is a place of unique beauty and geological wonder.
The Grotta della Margherita is located 1.6 kilometers north of Opicina. It is also about 2 kilometers east-southeast of Borgo Grotta Gigante. This cave sits at an elevation of 298 meters.
Imagine descending into the Grotta della Margherita. The entrance is a 21-meter deep shaft. This shaft follows a fracture running NNW-SSE. It leads into a gallery. This gallery is about 5 to 6 meters high. From here to the bottom, the cave is richly decorated. It features countless calcifications and concretions.
To the north, a short descent leads to a semicircular chamber. Its floor is flat. This chamber features long stalactites that can be over 2 meters long. A 6-meter-high column stands proudly in this chamber.
To the south, a long slope leads to a steep, calcified incline. At its base, the P17 shaft opens. If you pass over the opening of P17 to the south, you will find a blind shaft. It is a mere 4 meters deep and closed at the bottom by clay.
The P17 shaft descends along a north-south fracture. It opens into a large cavern. This cavern is 14 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 14 meters high. The floor consists of a significant deposit of clay mixed with gravel. Here, magnificent concretions can be seen. There are also calcite macrocrystals and a spectacular “baldachin” looming from the east wall.
To reach the bottom, head southeast. After a few meters downhill, you’ll reach the edge of the final shaft, P21. This one is very large and ends in a vast cavern measuring 33 by 30 meters. Here, columns of considerable size rise. Calcified boulders scatter the floor.
Heading north, ascend a few meters. You’ll enter a gallery that slopes gently downward for 12 meters. To the west-northwest, ascend at an average incline of 35 degrees for about 23 meters. This leads to a small cave occupied by a landslide of stones and clay on the west side.
To the south-southeast, descend along a steep detrital slope for about 13 meters. At the end, you’ll find the deepest point of the cave at 67 meters. Here, a tall and wide chimney opens up. Stones fell from it during the SS202 road widening works.
The Grotta della Margherita is special. It contains unique formations resembling flowers. These formations are delicate. It is important to leave the cave as you found it. The speleological heritage is a common heritage. Let’s protect this unique place.