Grotta di Ispinigoli
| Grotta di Ispinigoli (Ispinigoli Cave) | |
|---|---|
|
View of the cave | |
  Location of the caves in Italy | |
| Location |
 Ispinigoli, Dorgali (NU, Sardinia, Italy) |
| Coordinates | 40°19′12″N 9°36′1.2″E / 40.32000°N 9.600333°ECoordinates: 40°19′12″N 9°36′1.2″E / 40.32000°N 9.600333°E |
| Depth | 35 m |
| Elevation | 1,300 m |
| Discovery | 1971 |
| Geology | Karst cave |
| Entrances | 1 |
| Access | Public |
| Show cave opened | 1974 |
| Website | Grotta di Ispinigoli |
The Grotta di Ispinigoli is a karstic cave in the Supramonte massif, near Dorgali, Sardinia, Italy.
Overview
One of the largest grottoes in the island, houses a large stalactite-stalagmite compound, the tallest in Europe and one of the tallest in the world, measuring some 38 m in total. The grotto also include the so-called Abisso delle Vergini ("Abyss of the Virgins"), a c. 60 m-deep hole leading to a 12 km series of caves connecting Ispingoli to the other grotto of San Giovanni Su Anzu. Inside the cave were found traces of human bones and jewelry dating back the Bronze Age, the site was used as burial by the Nuragic Peoples.
At the bottom of this abyss cave the only known specimen of the extinct giant otter Megalenhydris was found. This animal is one of four species of extinct endemic otters on the island.
See also
- Bue Marino Grotto
- Tiscali Cave
- List of caves
- List of caves in Italy
External links
- Page about the grottoes (Italian)