Zinzulusa Cave is one of the most important examples of the karst phenomenon on the Italian coast; it opens majestically onto the clear Ionian Sea between Castro Marina and Santa Cesarea Terme.
Occupying a spectacular position and easy to reach, the cave owes its name to peculiar limestone formations hanging from the roof that look like rags ('zinzuli' in the local dialect) that have twisted themselves into strange, colourful shapes.
Not to be missed is the Bowl (Conca) with its elliptical floor that opens onto a long section of the Zinzulusa known as the Corridor of the Wonders (Corridoio delle Meraviglie) adorned with huge stalactites and stalagmites. The last stretch of the Corridor is the Crypt, a good 25 metres high and a known refuge for bats. Although the cave was discovered in 1793, it was only opened to the public in 1957.
On average, it is visited by more than 100,000 visitors a year.
At Christmas time, a characteristic nativity scene is set up inside it.
Where: Castro (Lecce) � The footpath takes 1 hour to walk. Getting there: on the Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca coast road, 3 km north of Castro, the road drops down to a viewpoint area and from there a stepped path descends to the mouth of the cave
Guided tours only, admission fee applies.
Summer hours: 9:30 am � 6:30 p.m. � Winter hours: 10:30 am- 4:30 pm.