Hidden within the Carso Triestino lies the Pozzo dei Ciclami. A seemingly unremarkable spot along the path from Opicina to Monte Orsario. Yet this is a gateway to a subterranean world. The Pozzo dei Ciclami is more than just a pozzo a well. It’s a fascinating cave system a hidden treasure discovered quite unexpectedly.
Imagine the scene Easter Sunday 1962. Workers toiling away in the nearby Caverna dei Ciclami stumbled upon this vertical shaft. It wasn’t a planned discovery. It was a serendipitous moment a hole in the earth revealing a secret kept for millennia. The Pozzo dei Ciclami measures 32 meters in planimetric development. Its depth is 51 meters. A significant drop leading into the earth.
The entrance is marked. A small plaque indicates the way. The pozzo is far more than a simple hole. It consists of three interconnected shafts their walls richly decorated with impressive concretions. The final drop initially blocked by a massive rocky slab. This obstacle was overcome only after considerable effort. The lower chamber is filled with large cemented boulders. Calcite binds them together. A few small cavities further expand the system.
Midway down the main shaft a niche beckons. An inviting recess easily accessible. From the niche climb a short distance. You’ll find another shaft. This one 5 meters deep was opened during excavations in the 1990s. It ends in a small cave. The cave floor is made of clay. The Pozzo dei Ciclami a place of unexpected wonders.
The Pozzo dei Ciclami’s discovery is directly linked to the Caverna dei Ciclami. The latter cave is famous for its rich archaeological finds. These range from the Roman era to the Mesolithic period. The Pozzo dei Ciclami is a testament to the area’s rich and complex history. A hidden marvel waiting for those who dare to explore. So as you stand here contemplate this quiet opening. Think of the stories it holds. Let the echoes of discovery remind you of this secret place. This hidden depth of the Carso. The Pozzo dei Ciclami.