The Grotto of Romito is one of the most important and famous caves in Italy
The Grotto of Romito is one of the most important and famous caves in Italy, located near Papasidero in Calabria. Discovered in 1961 by the Calabrian speleologist Cosimo Joppolo, the cave has a millennia-old history that makes it one of the major archaeological treasures of Europe.
The Romito Cave has a length of about 120 meters and a depth of 30 meters. Its significance stems from numerous archaeological discoveries made inside. The cave indeed contains a wide range of artifacts dating back to the Upper Paleolithic, ranging from 40,000 to 10,000 B.C. Among the recovered artifacts are stone and bone objects, ceramics, musical instruments, and even rock engravings.
One of the most important objects found in the Romito Cave is a stone statuette depicting a man holding a staff. The statuette, known as “The Prince of Romito,” dates back to approximately 22,000 years ago and is considered one of the most important artifacts of prehistoric art in Europe. The depicted figure is about 15 centimeters tall and is characterized by remarkable attention to detail.
In addition to the statuette, the Romito Cave also contains numerous rock engravings depicting animals such as deer, bison, horses, and mammoths. These engravings were made by prehistoric humans using stone tools and represent an important example of rock art.
Thanks to the archaeological discoveries made in the Romito Cave, scholars have been able to reconstruct the lives of prehistoric people who inhabited it. For example, it is known that the prehistoric people living in the cave were hunters and gatherers who primarily subsisted on game and berries. They were also skilled craftsmen, capable of working stone and bone to create objects useful in their daily lives.
However, the Romito Cave is not only important for its archaeological finds. The cave is also a place of great natural beauty, with stalactites and stalagmites creating breathtaking landscapes. The cave is open to the public and can be visited with the accompaniment of an expert guide.
Therefore, the Romito Cave represents an important archaeological and natural treasure of Italy and Europe. The discovery of objects and artifacts from the Upper Paleolithic and the presence of rock engravings attest to the cave’s importance for understanding human history. At the same time, the natural beauty of the cave makes it a very popular tourist destination.
In addition to the cave, you can go rafting on the Lao River
