Third Itinerary


Il pozzo dell'Infinito

The third itinerary leaves the path of the first about 100 metres from the entrance, near the siphon-lake, and begins with two parallel galleries, rich in eroded formations which in turn lead to a small hall, which is characterised by an imposing reddish flow which is suspended over a large well. From the summit of this well is a superb view of the Principal Gallery which lies 15m. below. Passing through a narrow tunnel one enters a second, much wider room, which is rich in sparkling stalactites, stalagmites and beautiful rock formations.

Beyond this point, the appearance of the cave changes abruptly: after climbing a few steps, one reaches the base of a huge vertical well where the formations almost entirely disappear, leaving a both horrid and fascinating environment. This ample view shows the naked walls of the abyss interrupted here and there by obscure openings of lateral branches. Here the path temporarily abandons the well, proceeding by a series of ramps, to the inside of a vertical crevice decorated with graceful rock formations. After a level tract the trail reaches the abyss by means of a small suspension bridge, 24 metres from the bottom, where water droplets fall against the light like flowing cascades of shimmering diamonds.

Further on, the path continues along jagged walls until it reaches a point where the well is divided into two by a natural bridge formed by the erosive action of ancient waterfalls, which even today are reactivated during periods of persistent and heavy rainfall.

Once again one abandons the steep vertical surroundings to visit a small flat branch of the grotto, richly coloured and characterised by a morphological collapse. This is a diversion of only a few steps, since we once again find ourselves facing the abyss which we cross (30m up) by means of two bridges. This allows us to reach a vast hall on the other side. From here, a stairway leads us once again to the well from where it is possible to see the bottom from a height of over 40 metres. A few more steps and we come to the "Salone dell'Infinito" (Hall of Infinity) whose vaulted ceiling is entirely furrowed by a narrow winding ridge caused by the recession of the ancient waterfall which once flowed into the abyss from a height of 70 metres.

Crossing the hall the tour ends in a gorge from where, after heavy rainfall, one can admire an impetuous waterfall. Having come down the well again, one passes through the "Diramazione delle Meraviglie" (Hall of Wonders) and arrives at the Main Gallery through a wonderful descent passage which crosses a forest of white stalactites and stalagmites.