Ninu's Cave: A Glimpse into Gozo's Subterranean Past

Ninu's Cave, also known as Għar Ninu in Maltese, is a captivating natural wonder located in the village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo, Malta. This unique cave was discovered in 1888 by Joseph Rapa, a local resident, while he was digging a well beneath his private house. What he unearthed was a small chamber adorned with a stunning collection of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years by rainwater filtering through the limestone rock.The cave is relatively small, measuring approximately 20 meters by 8 meters, but it is rich in geological formations. Visitors can marvel at the natural columns created by the calcification of water dripping from the cave ceiling, as well as delicate straw stalactites and rare helictites. Electric lights illuminate the cave, enhancing the beauty of the formations.Today, Ninu's Cave remains a family-run attraction, with Joseph Rapa's descendants welcoming visitors into their home to share the story of the cave's discovery. The tour begins with a walk through the family's home, leading to a small exhibition room where the history of the cave is explained. A spiral staircase then descends into the cave itself.Visiting Ninu's Cave offers a personal and intimate experience, providing a glimpse into Gozo's subterranean wonders and the legacy of a local family.