Museo speleologico Franco Anelli
Museum at the entrance to the Grotte di Castellana, dedicated to speleology, karst and the geological evolution of the area, opened in 2000.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was inaugurated on 23 January 2000, on the sixty-second anniversary of the discovery of the Castellana karst system. It is named after the speleologist Franco Anelli (1899–1977) from Lodi, who explored and studied the caves, made them known to the public and was for a long time their director.
It is housed in a building designed in 1952 by the architect Pietro Favia, in Piazzale Anelli at the entrance to the caves. The exhibition, with illustrated panels, scientific materials and finds, covers speleology, karst and the geological history of the area.
The building also houses the Centro di Documentazione Speleologica Pugliese “Franco Orofino” of the Federazione Speleologica Pugliese, with a thematic library, periodicals and a photographic archive. The educational programme is run by the Gruppo Puglia Grotte on behalf of Grotte di Castellana srl. The museum is a frequent destination for school trips, with workshops on speleology, geology, biospeleology and ecology.
Highlights
- Route on speleology, karst and the geology of the area
- Building designed in 1952 by Pietro Favia
- Centro di Documentazione Speleologica Pugliese “Franco Orofino”
- Educational workshops for schools
- Library, periodicals and photographic archive
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Grotte di Castellana srl
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The caves offer a dedicated visit for people with disabilities, which must be booked in advance (wheelchairs up to 65 cm wide; some wheelchairs are available on loan). For groups that request it, the museum can host an introduction before the visit or a talk afterwards. It is not stated whether the museum itself is accessible.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Paid car parks P1 and P2 are near the caves. Car park P3, at the shopping centre on Via Putignano, is also paid, with a shuttle service.
From the A14 motorway, continue on the SS16 or SS100 to Castellana Grotte; Bari airport is about 57 km away.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Baby carriers can be hired free of charge. Toilets near the ticket office are paid.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | For schools there are educational routes with guided visits, science workshops (astronomy, speleology, biospeleology, geology, ecology) and speleotourism in the side branches of the caves. |
