THE PRAJE CAVE

Ultima modifica 29 giugno 2023

HISTORY

It is one of the natural cavities of the Maiella Geopark, rescognized by UNESCO, carved into limestones dating back 11 million years and with a constant temperature of 14°.  It runs on two overlapping branches: upper (visitable) and lower. The entrance is a small shaft accessible by a natural slide of a few meters, and then you pass stooping over a short gallery, to start seeing stalagmites, sails and columns and hearing the dripping. Moreover, this cavity is considered the largest speleological cave in the Province of Pescara. Three documents have been found about this cave: 

• a description by Abruzzese writer Pasquale De Virgiliis in the "Giornale Abruzzese" in 1837 reporting observations and feelings as a scholar.
• the Teatino explorer Giovanni Chiarini, in September 1874, reports scientific observations and describes the cave in great detail making an estimate of its length, about 300 mt. 
• an article written in 1893 in the Chieti newspaper "Lo Svegliarino" , where it mentions an expedition of the C.A.I. section with Prof. Ferrari taking measurements and Eng. Angelozzi taking the first photos..

CURIOSITY

Inside is attested the presence of several dolicopods ("cave grasshoppers") , sporadic bats and is preserved a species of millipede known to science only for this site (Typhloiulus Longinquus) and sporadic bats.  Visitors, properly equipped, can experience a real caving adventure here accompanied by a guide.

HOW TO REACH IT

It can be reached comfortably by car, from the road near the church of Iconicella, but can also be reached on foot from an equipped path that starts from the center of the village-in the locality of Santa Liberata-where the Stations of the Cross have been installed by Proloco Tholos and made by local stonemasons.