Cava d'Ispica
Long valley cut into limestone between Modica and Ispica, with tombs, catacombs, rock churches and cave neighbourhoods inhabited until 1693.
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About the museum
Cava d’Ispica is a river valley about 13 kilometres long, cutting through the Hyblaean plateau between Modica and Ispica and covered in Mediterranean scrub. Its rock walls hold prehistoric necropolises, Christian catacombs, rock oratories, hermitages and entire settlements carved into the rock: human occupation is documented continuously from the early Bronze Age until at least the 14th century.
Its naturally defended position, close to the sea, made it one of the largest rock settlements in Sicily. The northern part of the valley was abandoned in the 14th century, while the southern part remained alive around the town of Spaccaforno, destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Among the best-known features are the Grotte Cadute, a village of over a hundred caves arranged in several rows, and the complex known as the Castello.
The site has never been the subject of a systematic excavation campaign and is known mainly through partial research. It forms part of the Parchi archeologici di Kamarina e Cava d’Ispica of the Regione Siciliana; access from Ispica is via the Parco della Forza, which has a separate ticket.
Highlights
- Rock valley of about 13 km
- Christian catacombs and rock oratories
- Grotte Cadute, a village of over a hundred caves
- Bronze Age necropolises
- Rock complex known as the Castello
- Operated by
- Parchi archeologici di Kamarina e Cava d’Ispica (Regione Siciliana)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
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| Reduced | €3European Union citizens aged 18 to 25 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month and on special occasions announced by the Assessorato regionale dei Beni culturali (Sicilian regional cultural heritage department).
The Parco della Forza at Ispica, at the southern entrance to the valley, has a separate ticket.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
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| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | In 2020 the Regione indicated an average visit duration of about one hour. |
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