Apulia - Castellana Caves

(Local Name: 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.