More precisely between San Foca and Torre dell’Orso, in the beautiful (though for many little-known) municipality of Melendugno, lies one of the most beautiful masterpieces that nature can have created: the Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry) in Salento.
Grotta della Poesia
This is what has been called one of the ten most beautiful natural pools on the planet, which springs from among the rocks of the Adriatic coast of Upper Salento, precisely in Roca Vecchia.
This natural pool is so beautiful that it can take the breath away from anyone who sets out to visit it. The waters in this area are wonderful, crystal clear and aqua-green in colour, so much so that every year this stretch of coastline is awarded the 5 sails by Legambiente & Touring Club, the highest rating symbolising the sea’s very high level of purity.
The Grotte della Poesia are actually two separate caves, the Grotta della Poesia Grande and the Grotta della Poesia Piccola, which together form a”karstic complex” created over time by water erosion activity. From the Grotta della Poesia Grande there is a cave with a beautiful sandy beach, from which you can then access the Grotta della Poesia Piccola.
In this last place, Messapian, Greek and Latin inscriptions have been found, which were probably carved into the rock by various navigators before they embarked on their adventures at sea towards Greece and Albania.
The magic of the Grotta and its legend
It seems that the Grotta della Poesia is indeed a magical place. Today, thousands of visitors each year cannot wait to spend even a few hours in this corner of paradise, especially because since last year – after the Grotta appeared in a famous magazine article – the municipality has had to restrict access to it in order to safeguard this archaeological site of great national importance.
This does not prohibit, however, the possibility of entering it, even though in a more controlled way, and being able to treat oneself to some splendid relaxation in a place that seems to be on the edge of reality. Youngsters, moreover, are crazy about it because from its sheer rock face it is possible to throw oneself into the sea, in a plunge of no less than 5 metres.
The charm and magic of this place also stem from the past, which links it to the cult of the deity Thator Audirahas, who was invoked to be cured of illnesses. What has remained most alive, however, is the legend of a beautiful woman who used to come to this cave. It is said, in fact, that a princess of rare beauty used to bathe in the fresh waters of this area. It is also said that her face was so enchanting that it attracted numerous men, who could not resist her splendour, and that looking at her inspired them to compose poetic love verses for her. Hence the name “Grotta della Poesia” (Cave of Poetry).
Someone else thinks, however, that the name of the Grotta della Poesia derives from the Greek word posis meaning spring of fresh water, which would then be the one that still flows beside both caves today. However, everyone forgets this theory and is carried away by the romantic notes of the first version.
Grotta della Poesia Directions
The Grotta della Poesia is located in Roca Vecchia in the municipality of Melendugno, a short walk from Torre dell’Orso. To reach it click here.
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