Grotto Is Zuddas, Santadi
Grotto Is Zuddas is a complex of several caves in the south of Sardinia. This area, better known as Sulcis, is located near the commune of Santadi. The natural monument was formed from the limestone of the mountain of Monte Meana more than 530 million years ago. The cave was opened to tourists in the 70s of the 20th century. It is worth noting that in the 60s stone mining was still in full swing there.
Information about the Cave
The total length of the cave is 1650 meters, although the tourist route is equipped only in the territory of 500 m. Many stalactites and stalagmites are intertwined in bizarre forms, decorating the underground corridors of Is Zuddas with their columns. The average air temperature in the grotto throughout the year is 16 °C.
Tourists encounter the first attraction right at the entrance to the grotto: the remains of the Sardinian pika, an extinct species of rodents that looked like a rabbit and lived in Sardinia and Corsica some four centuries ago.
The cave has two types of formations:
- The needle-like, being a cluster of coloured crystals, resemble a needle in their shape. Most of them are concentrated in the so called "Cave of Flowers".
- The other group, the threadlike formations, developed in different directions, having violated the laws of gravity. Scientists still do not know exactly how they emerged. In some places threadlike formations have acquired the most intricate forms.
Halls of Is Zuddas
The cave of Is Zuddas in Santadi is divided into several halls which are different in their morphology, but are equally beautiful and interesting for visitors:
- In the first hall, the damage that was inflicted as a result of stone mining is most noticeable. The hall boasts the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and its floor is a solid rock formation. At the end of the hall, one can see a staircase that was also cut out of the rock. The quaint jellyfish figure deserves special attention. It is in the first room visitors find a natural entrance to the cave that, however, is closed due to safety reasons.
- The Organ Hall received its name thanks to the columns of stalactites and stalagmites that resemble the instrument. At the foot of the columns, there are coral sculptures formed due to the excess of calcium in the water. In the right part of the hall, one can observe the reverse phenomenon, the disintegration of stones.
- The Theatre Hall was opened in 1971. This is the largest of all the rooms of the grotto and is truly amazing in its size. In the centre of it is a huge chandelier made of stalactites. In the left part there is a natural well where you can throw a coin and make a wish that will come true.
- This eccentric hall is recognized as the most beautiful grotto in the cave of Is Zuddas housing a cluster of intricately intertwined stalactites and stalagmites. Aragonites, in their turn, form flowers of unusual shapes and sizes on the ceiling and walls.
Christmas Holidays in the Grotto of Is Zuddas
For many years, the Christmas service has been held in the organ hall. In 1990, the organizers set the Christmas cradle of the baby Jesus and celebrated the holiday for the first time.
A few years later, a local architect made a crib for the baby from the columns of trachyte, a volcanic rock represented in the area. The height of the cradle is 30-40 cm.
How to get there
Grotto of Is Zuddas is located 6 km from Santadi, along the SP70 highway that stretches from Teulada. The journey from Cagliari is about 60 km. Follow the SS130 road to the centre of Elmas, and then take the SP2 line. At the intersection in Siliqua, in the district of Acquafredda, take the SS293 road which leads to Santadi.
Working hours: the cave is open all year round. However, the excursions are held according to the schedule, which available on the official site.
