“Zverinska jama” or beast’s cave is its name in Slovenian. The Abisso di Fernetti stands before us a dark void. It is a challenge to the brave and a mystery to all.
Welcome to the Abisso di Fernetti. This isn’t just any hole in the ground. It’s a testament to the raw power of nature and a gateway to an underground world.
The Abisso di Fernetti begins with a vertical drop. At its base, a tight squeeze leads to a complex and deep pit. This pit is divided into many sections by natural bridges. Explorers from the Commissione Grotte explored this part long ago. More recently, a parallel system of pits and caverns was found. It requires a difficult climb to reach. Some areas have horizontal, decorated chambers. Sadly, the cave has suffered from pollution. It was once used to discharge sewage from a nearby campsite.
In 1984, explorers discovered a new branch. This branch starts with a window opening onto the P45 pit. By dropping some large rocks, they made it accessible. It descends through a series of pits of different sizes. It reaches a depth of 143 meters.
Another window opens onto the P45. Traversing a subsequent pit and descending 10 meters leads to a hole. From here, an ascending tunnel ends in an 8-meter chimney. At its base, an impenetrable crack exists. Stones dropped into a narrow fissure at the start of the new branch can be heard.
In 1986, a 33-meter deep pit was found on the wall of the P70 pit. Although known for some time, it wasn’t on any maps. Its entrance is 40.5 meters from the start of P70. The bottom is at a depth of 177.5 meters. The pit averages 1.5 meters wide and 5 meters long. Its major axis points 10 degrees north. The walls are heavily eroded. There are no decorations except in some niches. The bottom is almost completely blocked by rocks. The pit seems to continue a couple of meters beyond. A weak outward airflow has been noted. Remember that this pit isn’t on the map.
In 1993, a new chamber was discovered through a narrow passage. This passage is located almost at the bottom of the Caverna del Guano. It touches the northwest wall. A small 4.5-meter drop with a narrow, muddy passage leads to the first small chamber. To the right, a descending continuation leads to a small 5-meter pit. It was descended in 1986 but needs widening to be passable. On the left wall, a decorated entrance leads to a second large chamber. It is divided by a huge boulder. A 25-meter ascent in this chamber found no further passages.
In 1996, another 33-meter side pit was mapped in P70. To reach it, you must pass a difficult squeeze. It starts in a niche reached by an easy swing. About 10 meters from its start, it meets a large chimney. This might be the pit from the 1986 exploration.
The Abisso di Fernetti stretches 913 meters horizontally and plumbs a depth of 210 meters. Its lowest point lies 113 meters above sea level.
The Abisso di Fernetti is more than just a cave. It’s a multi-layered journey through geological time. It is a testament to the Carso’s hidden depths. As we leave this place let the mystery of the Abisso di Fernetti linger. May it inspire you to seek out the unexplored corners of our world.