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The only cave in Italy that can be crossed along a real asphalt road.
In the heart of Iglesiente, a few kilometres from Domusnovas, a monumental "door" opens that leads straight into the bowels of the earth. The Grotta di San Giovanni is an exceptional karst phenomenon, made unique in our country - and rare in the world - by the presence of a carriage road inside it.
Once used by cars to transport minerals from nearby mines, today this 850-metre-long natural tunnel is a peaceful sanctuary that can only be visited on foot. Artificially lit, the cave reveals walls covered with stalactites, stalagmites and imposing limestone pools that look like "rock waterfalls". The silence is broken only by the trickling of water, accompanying the visitor from the southern entrance to the northern outlet, which overlooks the lush Oridda Valley.
Why visit: It is a unique experience. There are only two other similar examples in the world (in France and Australia). Walking inside it gives you the feeling of entering a "giant nativity scene" carved into the rock, where geological history meets human history.
Interesting facts and advice: The cave hides ancient secrets. It is said to have been the refuge of the bandit Pireddu, from whom the active branch of the cavity, Su Stampu de Pireddu, takes its name. In addition, the entrances were once fortified by prehistoric cyclopean walls, which were then demolished in the 19th century to build the road.
Nearby: The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The outer walls of the cave are a rock gym loved by climbers from all over Europe. For those who prefer trekking or history, the nearby nuragic complex of Sa Dom'e s'Orcu and industrial archaeology sites such as the Sa Duchessa mine offer evocative itineraries immersed in the Marganai forest.
9JH5+X5, 09015 Domusnovas SU, Italy
