To the northwest of the island of Sardinia, about 24 kilometers from the city of Alghero, a fisherman named Ferrandino was the one who discovered back in the 18th century the opening that would lead to the discovery of a complex system of caves that extend about 4 kilometers.
A place to visit once in a lifetime
Inside you will find one of the largest sea caves in Italy and one of the most captivating jewels of nature in the Mediterranean. The cave, which was formed about two million years ago, has spectacular karst formations, a white sand beach and a huge underground lake. They represent one of the main tourist attractions in Algher and also a site of great scientific interest.
Not the entire cave complex is open to the public (in fact, the general public can only see a few hundred meters, with a visit generally lasting more than an hour). Some parts, considered more dangerous, are reserved for expert cavers, but unlike many other caves in Sardinia, Neptune’s Grotto has been fully explored.
Whether you arrive at the caves on foot (by the stairs, which are 656 steps ) or by boat, you will arrive at the same entry point and start your guided tour of the place, which will show you several rooms carved into the limestone for centuries. dripping water The entrance is a passage covered by concretions of vegetation and dense with stalactites and stalagmites.
In the first room we will find the famous Lake of La Marmora, one of the largest saltwater basins in Europe (about 120 meters long by 25 meters wide), accompanied by several stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the place. The largest underground lake in Europe is San Leonardo in Switzerland with 260 meters long and whose waters are kept at a constant temperature of 11 ºC.
Once inside, at the bottom of the lake, a distinctive formation of stalagmites called the “Christmas tree” stands out among large lava flows and calcitic festoons.
In the center of the cave is the imposing stalagmite of about 2 meters called the holy water fountain ( acquasantiera ). The name is probably due to the fact that, thanks to its particular shape, it collects rainwater, becoming a kind of natural watering hole for the birds that nest here.
The lake even has a small sandy beach, called Spiaggia dei ciottolini (beach of pebbles).
The itinerary – the cave can only be accessed by guided tours – ends with a visit to the hall – Tribuna della Musica – a suggestive balcony from which you can enjoy the view of the Reggia area and Lake Lamarmora from the tall.
At the cinema
The caves served as a movie set in the past. In 1978, ‘ The Island of the Fish Men’ was filmed there, with scenes reminiscent of Jules Verne’s tales. A horror and adventure film with a script adapted from stories by HP Lovecraft that shows the existence of mysterious creatures that kill anyone who comes near their fresh waters.
Referencia: Simon Mossa Archive, Ni Neptune Grotto
