Drawn to the earth’s hidden depths? Then, you’ve come to the right place. We are standing at the entrance of Abisso sopra Chiusa. This abyss is a captivating cave located in the Trieste region of Italy.
Abisso sopra Chiusa translates to “Abyss above Chiusa.” Its entrance lies at 368 meters above sea level in the Carso Triestino. The cave’s entrance is marked by a small triangular opening among the rocks.
To reach Abisso sopra Chiusa, you can leave your car on the SS14 road toward Basovizza. Find the last sharp bend before the road straightens toward Basovizza. There, a green gate marks the old entrance to the Italcementi quarry. Take the path to the right of the gate. After about 100 meters, a faint path ascends to the left. After another 80 meters, you’ll find the Abisso sopra Chiusa entrance among boulders.
Inside, Abisso sopra Chiusa plunges into a series of vertical shafts. These shafts are prone to rockfalls due to the rock’s instability. One particularly dangerous blind shaft marks the end of the first section. To reach the cave’s greatest depth, a short tunnel leads to a large internal shaft. This shaft also has unstable rocks.
Abisso sopra Chiusa extends 192 meters horizontally and 343 meters spatially. It reaches a depth of 193 meters with the bottom at 175 meters. The cave ends in a gallery blocked by landslides and a chamber filled with boulders and clay. Sadly, the cave has been used as a dumping ground, and its entrance is blocked by a large rock.
In 1996, the Gruppo Triestino Speleologi surveyed the branch leading to the bottom of Abisso sopra Chiusa. They found discrepancies in depth and orientation. The depth was measured at 189 meters instead of 233 meters. The plant’s orientation was northeast instead of northwest.
In 1953, a group of speleologists from Trieste explored Abisso sopra Chiusa. Their exploration documented the cave’s features and challenges. Their work highlights the importance of cave exploration and documentation.
Despite its current state, Abisso sopra Chiusa remains a fascinating geological feature. It offers a glimpse into the hidden world beneath our feet. It reminds us of the dynamic processes shaping our planet. Let’s respect and protect these natural wonders. Let’s ensure they are preserved for future generations to explore and appreciate.