Abisso Pozzo della Neve: A Speleological Wonder

Nestled within the WWF Oasis of Guardiaregia-Campochiaro, the Abisso Pozzo della Neve (Snow Pit Abyss) presents a remarkable speleological experience. This extensive cave system is one of Italy's deepest, reaching a staggering depth of over 1,048 meters and stretching for 7 kilometers. The cave's exploration began in 1955, revealing a world of underground wonders. Initial expeditions were halted by a siphon at -110 meters, but persistent efforts led to the discovery of various branches, including the Ramo dei Babà, Ramo delle Foglie, and Ramo dei Sifoni. In 1988, explorers finally surpassed the siphon, reaching the cave's bottom at -1,045 meters. The Abisso Pozzo della Neve is located in the northeastern part of the Matese mountains, near Campochiaro, within the protected area of the WWF. The main entrance sits at an elevation of 1,368 meters. The cave features two entrances: the main one, discovered in 1955, and a secondary entrance opened in 1984, providing access to the upper branches. Inside, visitors can marvel at stunning rock formations, underground lakes, and a variety of unique geological features. While access to the cave is primarily for experienced speleologists, the surrounding WWF Oasis offers various hiking trails and opportunities to appreciate the region's biodiversity. The oasis is home to diverse flora and fauna, including ancient beech trees, the spectacled salamander, and various bird species.