The Trullo Cave in Putignano
Updated at: 12-08-2024
How this content can help you:
- Its uniqueness as the only cave in the world protected by a monumental trullo.
- The story of its discovery in 1931 and the inauguration with Umberto II of Savoy.
- The spectacular formations: stalactites, stalagmites, and curtains in colors ranging from red to gold.
- The presence of the rare "mountain milk" and the evocative "golden room."
- Recognition as an "Italian wonder" in 2011.
- Information about the guided tour suitable for all ages.
To those who are wondering what to do and see in Putignano we certainly recommend the Grotta del Trullo.
Among the more than three thousand known caves in all of Puglia, there is one, the Grotta del Trullo, also known as the Grotta di Putignano, a true gem of millennial beauty.
It is the only cave in the world protected by a monumental trullo and is the first cave opened to tourism in Puglia - and the third in Italy - offering its visitors a scenario of astonishing naturalness.
Its discovery dates back to 1931 during excavation work for the sewer system, a few meters from the town center of Putignano.
Inaugurated after four years in the presence of Prince of Piedmont Umberto II of Savoy, it marked the development of tourism as well as Pugliese speleology, leading to numerous discoveries in our territory, including the discovery of the Grotte di Castellana.
The Trullo hosting the cave has been specifically converted into an information office. Here you can get all the tips regarding the route and the visit.
From here, a spiral staircase with a handrail allows visitors to descend into the earth cavity for about 12 meters, accompanied by a guide who explains all the details about the origin of the caves, the Pugliese tropical period, and the fossils deposited on the site, talking about fossils of animals extinct millions of years ago.
Why visit the Grotta del Trullo in Putignano?
The Grotta del Trullo has many characteristics that make it unique in the world. The karst cavity opens just below 1.5m of rock and has very ancient formations at such shallow depths and so smooth they appear like wax sculptures.
Among its peculiarities is the coloration of the alabaster formations that range from red to golden and white.
It is also the only cave where the visitor can observe the passage of minerals descending in depth due to the water that carries insoluble minerals such as iron oxide, bauxite, and manganese, which give the rock a pigmentation that can range from red to yellow-orange to gray.
The stalactites hang from the rocky roof, the stalagmites rise from the floor, and the curtains hang from the vault and are so large they resemble drapery!
The emblem is a column with a capital on the ceiling supporting a block of rock, a figure on the side with two stalagmites resembling an angel. Hence the name of the column, called the angel!
In the deepest part, there is a rarity of karst nature: the "mountain milk", a mixture of calcite crystal and aragonite that create inflorescences on the rock. Finally, the visit to the "golden room" leaves you truly amazed.
The Grotta del Trullo is so beautiful that in 2011 it was recognized as an “Italian wonder” by the National Forum of Young People, which included it among the thousand Italian sites of particular historical, cultural, and landscape interest.
The guided tour is suitable for all ages, including children, is available in different languages, lasts about 40 minutes. Inside the cave, it is 15°C and no specific equipment is required.
The admission price for the Grotta del Trullo tour is modest.
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