Grotta Gigante

The Grotta Gigante (Slovenian Briškovska jama ), also known as the giant cave of Trieste, is located around 15 km from Trieste near the village of Sgonico.

History of exploration

In 1840, Frederico Lindner joined in the search for the underground flow of Timavo to the cave. Further research followed by Giovanni Sigon of engineers and the Austro-Hungarian Southern Railway. However, these studies did not bring any new insights. As of 1890, the research of the " Club Touristi Triestini " were re-recorded and in 1897 was from Andreas Perko, a detailed plan will be created. On 5 July 1908, the management operations began, then with candles and Bengal lights. Tourism began only after 1957, when electric lighting was installed.

The total length is 380 m, the total depth of 160 m. The size of the hall is 98.50 meters high, 76.30 meters wide and 167.60 meters long. Since 1995, the Grotta Gigante is in the Guinness Book of Records as the "largest show cave in the world."

In the cave there are two geodesic pendulum with 100 m length to the study of earth tides. In addition to the cave is a Speleologiemuseum with numerous speleological, geological and paleontological exhibits.