Down a narrow shaft we go. Welcome to the Grotta a NNE di Basovizza. This intriguing cave near Trieste holds secrets within its depths. First surveyed in 1974 its entrance is a vertical pozzo an 11.5-meter drop. Don’t worry though. The entrance is currently accessible. It’s a relatively short cave. Its planimetric development is only 29 meters. Its overall spatial development is 41 meters. The total depth is a mere 15 meters.
The Grotta a NNE di Basovizza is part of the Carso Triestino a region known for its karst landscape. The cave’s geological composition consists of stratified carbonates sometimes mixed with marl. These sediments formed in a platform deposit environment during the Paleocene-Eocene epochs. Specifically it’s situated within the Liburnian Vreme and Cosina Formations.
The initial descent into the Grotta a NNE di Basovizza is somewhat challenging. A narrow passage complicates the drop. Once down you’ll find yourself in a cavern. A short uphill gallery continues the exploration. A small niche near the gallery entrance reveals a narrow passage. This leads to a pozzetto a small shaft blocked by rubble and clay. Small cracks extend below. Further exploration reveals a small tunnel at the base of the main pozzo. Partially filled with water this tunnel also connects to the main cavern.
Imagine the explorers of the past. Umberto Mikolic’s 1994 survey added to the detailed mapping by Pino Guidi and Mario Trippari in 1980 and Luciano Luisa’s initial survey in 1974. Their work provides us with this detailed picture of the Grotta a NNE di Basovizza. Each survey added new data to the cave’s fascinating history.
The cave is not open to the public. It remains a hidden gem for the adventurous few. To reach the Grotta a NNE di Basovizza you’ll need to follow trail number 3 from the road towards the Lipizza pass. Look for a small pit to the left. Turn around and walk about 15 meters. Then you’ll find the cave opening in a rocky dolina a large sinkhole. This hidden world awaits you. Remember safety first.