“Only 84 meters long?” I hear you ask. Don’t let the modest length of Grotta sopra Chiusa fool you. This small cave holds wonders beneath the surface. We are standing near the edge of Bosco Bazzoni. The entrance sits close to the 381-meter summit. This seemingly unassuming spot is the gateway to an underground world.
The entrance to Grotta sopra Chiusa is a small shaft. It descends only a few meters. At its base, two tunnels branch out in opposite directions. One is a smaller gallery. It extends only about fifteen meters. This tunnel is quite low. It ends in a small chamber. Inside this chamber are concretions reaching almost to the surface.
The other passage was once shorter. Now a narrow opening leads to a large gallery. Here you will find small pools of water. Massive stalagmites rise from the floor. After about forty meters, a steep descent leads to the cave’s deepest point. This area is marked by a clay floor. From here, the cave ascends sharply. It ends with a slope of loose debris. The ceiling gradually lowers to meet it.
Grotta sopra Chiusa has only one entrance. It’s registered as number 47 in the cave registry. Locally, it’s known as 44VG. The entrance sits at 370 meters above sea level. Its position was accurately mapped in 2005 using GPS. The cave’s planimetric development stretches for 84 meters. The total depth is 18 meters. At its deepest point, the floor lies 352 meters above sea level.
The cave presents a modest challenge. It does require some agility to explore fully. The narrow passage to the larger gallery may require a squeeze. The steep descent to the clay floor demands caution. Wear sturdy shoes. Be mindful of the slippery conditions near the water pools.
Imagine the early explorers. They were squeezing through the narrow passages with only basic equipment. They were charting the unknown depths of Grotta sopra Chiusa. Think about the thrill of discovery. The awe of encountering the massive stalagmites. The mystery of the water pools deep beneath the surface.
Grotta sopra Chiusa may be small. Yet it offers a glimpse into the hidden beauty of the Karst region. It is also a reminder of the adventurous spirit of early speleologists. They were driven to uncover the secrets held within the Earth. As we leave this hidden gem, remember the wonders that lie beneath our feet.