Grotta del Cervo

The Grotta del Cervo in the Pietrasecca reserve is an extensive karst cave containing Pleistocene animal remains and archaeological finds.

Why it matters

The cave preserves evidence of both natural history and human presence. Bones of cave bear, lynx, cave lion and red deer were found alongside bronze coins, making the cavity important to the study of the region's past environments and early visits by people.

What to notice

The cave's galleries contain calcite formations, including rimstone pools and draperies. Its deposits and archaeological finds record episodes of geological change as well as animal and human activity.

Context and history

Speleologists from the CAI Rome group located the cave entrance in 1984. Subsequent exploration and finds led to its study as part of the Riserva Naturale Speciale delle Grotte di Pietrasecca, established in 1992 to protect the underground environment.