Near the mines of Iglesiente and close to the Costa Verde, in the southwestern part of Sardinia, a surprising karst cavity opens up: it is characterized by naturalistic beauty, archaeological importance, and speleological interest. You will immerse yourself in the magic that rests in the subsoil of Iglesiente, among the red hues of the rock, blue lakes, snow-white stalactites and stalagmites, and the shining transparency of crystals. The Su Mannau caves, in the territory of Fluminimaggiore, are a karst complex ‘sculpted’ 540 million years ago and still ‘alive’: the calcareous formations are constantly evolving. The cave insinuates itself for eight kilometers into the heart of the earth with two main branches: the left one originated by the Placido river, with spectacular conduits and halls, the right one, the larger and almost ‘horizontal’ one, originated by the Rapido river. The visitable part is in the first branch, divided into archaeological and speleological. The archaeological hall is a large hypogean temple since the pre-Nuragic era: the remains of oil lamps, found here, recall the rites of the water cult. The cave was connected with the nearby temple of Antas, reachable by a path traced by the Romans. The speleological part begins with the Central hall, to be crossed with the help of ropes. You will venture, together with the guides, for 500 meters, on a one-hour excursion that winds along walkways suspended over halls, small waterfalls, and clear water lakes, where a very small shrimp (stenasellus nuragicus) lives, almost transparent, a unique species in the world. Along the left branch, made of impressive shafts and halls, a staircase will take you to the Puddu gallery. You will continue, among almost fossilized stalactites, to the Rodriguez shaft.
Read more: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/it/esplora/su-mannau
