A majestic opening in a sheer sea cliff near Castro welcomes you to the Zinzulusa Cave, one of Salento's most impressive karstic phenomena.
The cave, which branches out in several different directions, owes its name to the popular imagination - its many stalactites and stalagmites look like limp rags, which are called "zinzuli" in the local Salento dialect.
The entrance gives onto a karstic tunnel which extends into the depths for about a hundred meters, becoming increasingly narrow until it reaches the Cathedral, the final chamber in the part of the cave above water and open to the public.
From this point on, the tunnel runs down to the submerged section of the cave, the Cocito. Unique living fossils have been found here (including Higghinsia Ciccaresi hypogeum sponges), while the presence of large stalagmites suggests that the area was above sea level for a long period of time.
Events nearby
In the coming days, within 15 km.
Fiera di San Vito e Sagra del Maiale
The celebration of pork in Ortelle combines gastronomic tradition and local crafts in a convivial event.
Pumpkin Park Autumn Festival
Autumn event moves to Surano with workshops, live music, and a funfair.
Yuts And Culture
Yuts and Culture in concert: funk and soul of the '70s reimagined.
Salento International Film Festival 2026
International independent cinema in the heart of Salento
More places nearby
Sea and cavesCastro MarinaFrom the “zinzuli” (shreds) of the marine caves, as far as the beautiful
cliffs from which it is possible to dive in the water: Castro Marina is a
blue paradise overlooking the Adriatic sea. Castro very close
Museums and theatresCivic Museum “Antonio Lazzari”Castro's Aragonese Castle houses the Civic Museum named after speleologist
Antonio Lazzari, where an archaeological collection can be admired. Castro very close
Castles, towers and palacesCastle of CastroThe Castle of Castro used to be a fortress with the strategic function of
protecting the coast and it tells about the splendour of the past. Castro very close
Churches and cryptsCathedral of CastroIn the characteristic town of Castro, the splendid medieval Cathedral
stands on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple. Castro very close
Churches and cryptsSantuario Madonna del Rosario di PompeiSanctuary of the nineteenth century also known as Beata Vergine del
Rosario, located in the heart of Castro Marina. Castro 1 km away
Nature and gardensParco delle Querce (Oak Tree Park)Near the residential centre of Castro Marina, is this wooded area enclosed
with stone drywall. Castro 1 km away