“Eyeglasses,” someone muttered. That’s how the Grotta degli Occhiali got its name. Look closely at the two large openings. Water erosion has sculpted these entrances. A thin rock section divides the larger opening. This creates two round holes that resemble a pair of glasses. Hence, the name Grotta degli Occhiali.
We are standing between Santa Croce and the highway. The Grotta degli Occhiali opens at the bottom of a sinkhole. It is on the right side of a white road. This road runs parallel to the main road from Santa Croce to Bristie.
Imagine the Grotta degli Occhiali during wartime. Locals used this cave as a refuge. They cleverly disguised the entrances. They aided the descent with ladders and stairs. These stairs lead almost to the bottom. You can also reach it by descending the wide entrance shaft.
Just before the stairs end, there is a narrow passage. It leads to a 9-meter shaft. This shaft opens into a small cave. The base of this cave is a continuation of the debris cone from above. A slight draft suggests there’s more to discover. Excavation might be possible at points 16 and 12 on the survey.
The Grotta degli Occhiali has a history beyond natural formation. During World War I, the Austro-Hungarian army was stationed nearby. They used heavy artillery to target enemy lines around Monfalcone. This prompted Italian retaliation including aerial bombardments. Locals used the Grotta degli Occhiali as shelter. They reinforced the entrance with wooden stairs. They also concealed it with branches to avoid detection from above. The cave may have served as a shelter during the 1944 bombings as well.
The cave extends 44 meters horizontally. It reaches a depth of 20 meters. The bottom lies 174 meters above sea level. The cave’s layout is simple and horizontal.
The Grotta degli Occhiali has two entrances. The main entrance is accessible and measures about 4.36 by 2.53 meters. The second entrance is also accessible. It is a vertical shaft or well, about 5.73 by 3.1 meters. This second entrance has a 10-meter drop. Be careful of falling.
Sadly, the Grotta degli Occhiali has been misused as a dump. The front section is often full of trash and branches. But there is good news. In 2005, the Speleological Federation of Trieste cleaned the cave. This was part of the “Let’s Clean the Dark” event.
Exploration continues. There are accessible continuations within the cave. A slight air current suggests potential for further discovery.
The first survey of the Grotta degli Occhiali happened in 1944. The municipality of Trieste conducted it. Later surveys updated the information.
Remember the Grotta degli Occhiali. It represents both natural beauty and human history. It is a reminder of the past. It underscores the importance of preserving our environment.