Apulia - Castellana Caves Grotte di Castellana (Monopoli)
To the north of the Zona dei Trulli, 15km/9mi southwest of the port of Monopoli (9m/30ft; pop. 45,000), which has an 18th century cathedral, are the caves of Castellana (tours); they rank with the Postojna caves in Yugoslavia as the finest stalactitic caves in Europe. The caves have a total length of approximately 1.2km/0.75mi - much more if the various ramifications are included (two lifts). The finest cave is the Grotta Bianca (special conducted tours), unsurpassed in Europe for its perfect condition and its profusion of stalagmites and stalactites. Above the cave is an lookout tower (28m/92ft high, 170 steps); nearby a cave museum.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Hours
January 7 to March 14
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 |
March 15 to November 4
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
November 5 to December 25
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 | 13:30 |
December 26 to January 6
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
