Grotte di Castellana
An hour south of Bari by train, the Grotte di Castellana are the most spectacular cave system in Italy — a 3-kilometre underground journey through chambers of stalactites, stalagmites and alabaster formations that culminates in the breathtaking Grotta Bianca, one of the most beautiful caves on earth.
The Cave System
Discovered in 1938 by speleologist Franco Anelli, the caves descend 70 metres below the Murge plateau through a sequence of chambers with names like La Grave (a vast natural sinkhole open to the sky), the Corridor of the Desert and the Cave of the Monuments, where formations resemble gothic spires.
The Grotta Bianca at the far end of the system is the undisputed highlight: an entirely white cave of pure calcite, its walls encrusted with translucent stalactites that glow under the guide's torchlight. Photography is difficult but the memory is permanent.
Choosing Your Tour
Two tour options are available: a 1 km short tour (50 minutes) that excludes the Grotta Bianca, and the full 3 km tour (2 hours) that includes it. The full tour is unambiguously worth the extra time and cost — do not settle for the short version.
Tours depart every 30 minutes in high season and are guided in Italian with English commentary available on request. The caves maintain a constant temperature of 15°C year-round, so bring a light layer even in August.
Getting There from Bari
Ferrotramviaria trains run from Bari Nord station (near Bari Centrale) to Castellana Grotte in approximately 55 minutes; the station is a 10-minute walk from the cave entrance. Trains run roughly hourly.
Combine the caves with a stop in the nearby Valle d'Itria — Alberobello's trulli are 20 minutes further south by train, making a logical and spectacular full-day excursion from Bari.
Grotte di Castellana on video
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