Grotta delle Rotaie

Journey with me to a hidden realm beneath our feet. We stand before the entrance to Grotta delle Rotaie, a subterranean marvel nestled near the railway line by Bristie. Grotta delle Rotaie translates to “Cave of the Rails,” a name hinting at its proximity to the bustling tracks above. The cave’s story, however, is far removed from the clatter of trains. It speaks of ancient waters, patient earth, and the thrill of discovery. Our descent begins with a three-meter drop, a prelude to the main pozzo, a 21-meter shaft carved into the earth. The walls bear the marks of time and water, revealing a history of erosion. Ten meters from the bottom, we encounter a gallery stretching north-northeast to south-southwest. The north-northeast passage ends in a 12-meter blind pozzo, a silent echo of the main shaft. The south-southwest passage, however, beckons us further into the heart of Grotta delle Rotaie. This passage is adorned with a breathtaking display of coral-like formations. Continuing southeast, we navigate a low passage amidst fallen, calcified boulders. This leads to a chamber dominated by a massive accumulation of partially calcified collapse. Two small branches extend south. One is a treacherous slide of mud and clay, ending at the edge of a five-meter-deep, blind pozzo. The other is a low cunicolo leading to a series of small chambers. Returning to the coral gallery, we head northwest. After passing two constrictions, we emerge into a nine-by-five-meter hall. This hall is richly decorated with formations. Beyond the second constriction lies another narrow passage. This passage descends along the east wall, opening into a series of small chambers below the main gallery. In the previous hall, a small, 1.8-meter blind pozzo opens in the southeast wall. Two constrictions in the northeast wall lead to two terminal chambers. Back at the bottom of the 21-meter pozzo, two more eroded and unstable shafts descend, marking the deepest point of Grotta delle Rotaie. Our journey into Grotta delle Rotaie concludes here, 50.8 meters below the surface, having explored 116 meters of this hidden world. The cave remains, a testament to the power of nature’s artistry and a silent keeper of secrets beneath the rails.