Xerri's Grotto is a cave in Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. It was discovered by local resident Anthony Xerri in 1923[1] or 1924[2] while digging a well under a private house. Xerri's Grotto is not far from another underground feature, Ninu's Cave, which was discovered in 1888 in a similar fashion, when a well was being dug under a private house.
| Xerri's Grotto | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Entrance to Xerri's Grotto | |
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| Location | Xagħra, Gozo, Malta |
| Coordinates | 36°03′04.5″N 14°15′40.9″E / 36.051250°N 14.261361°E |
| Discovery | 1923 or 1924 |
| Access | Open to the public |
| Lighting | Electric |
The grotto is larger than Ninu's Cave. It contains various calcified formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, some of which resemble a tortoise, a vulture, giraffes or elephant's ears. Some other formations which developed as a result of the calcification of tree roots can also be seen.[3]
The entrance to the cave is down a 10m spiral staircase, built into the original well shaft. The cave was extended during World War II when the family used it as an air raid shelter.[2]
Today, the cave is illuminated by electric lights, and is open to the public with tours being given by the owners of the house.
References
edit- ^ "Xerri's Grotto". digigate.net/xerri. 1996. Archived from the original on 1 September 2000.
- ^ a b "Xerri's Grotto". visitgozo.com. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- ^ Oldham, Tony (2002). "Għar Xerri". showcaves.com. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
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