GROTTA DI SU MANNAU

The tourist route of these caves is laid out over a distance of about 500 m by a set of footbridges and stairs that require a correct physical condition. It offers the possibility to visit a site of archaeological and speleological interest of importance. The cave was already frequented by ancient populations. The first room was used for the pagan cult of water as evidenced by the fragments of votive lamps found on site. It is followed by the Hall of Sonno (Sleep), with an enormous pine tree lined with tiny calcite crystals and endless stalactites. It seems that this cave is one of the oldest in the world. Pensile Lake is home to a species of isopod crustaceans visible to the naked eye, the stenasellus (isopod crustaceans). The route goes up and down along the rocky walls to lead to the Ribaldone chamber, the highest and widest of the site. A water source and small lakes can be observed all along the route, which leads visitors through a corridor surrounded by white stalactites, to Pozzo Rodriguez, where an 8 m column formed by the meeting of a stalactite and a stalagmite can be admired. Speleology enthusiasts can book guided tours on an 8 km-long route reserved for them, which will take them to a depth of 1.5 km. All the equipment necessary for the visit is made available to visitors by the association that organizes the excursions (lasting from 3 to 8 hours).