3 kilometers from San Vito Lo Capo, a step back in time, in the heart of the cliffs of Cala Mancina.
Following the path that runs south from the San Vito Lo Capo lighthouse , like a ribbon parallel to the cliff, you find yourself walking between rock faces and the sea; a place of wild beauty, off the beaten track, that I'm sure will add something special to your Sicilian holiday.
The Cala Mancina cliffs are a particularly fascinating Dolomite formation due to their location just a few meters from the sea. They contain caves of varying sizes and importance.
The Cavalli cave, about 3 kilometers from the town, opens into the rock at about thirty meters above sea level, so it is advisable to wear closed shoes to reach it without problems.
Along the way, there's only sea, silence, vast cushions of Euphorbia separated by dry stone walls, a few grazing goats, and rock faces where young climbers from all over Europe train, even in winter.
Halfway there, the coast suddenly opens up to form a cove, the splendid Cala Mancina, which also allows for a comfortable swim. An unexpected gift, a stretch of emerald sea that will be hard to resist.
Behind the small pebble beach, numerous crevices and small caves can be seen on the rock face.
After a few minutes' walk, the mythical Grotta dei Cavalli, which has been there for a few million years, appears before us in all its majesty.
Going up a short slope you reach its entrance which overlooks the splendid gulf of Monte Cofano.
The feeling is extraordinary, it really feels like taking a step back in time.
Historical notes
The cave was already inhabited in prehistoric times. The paintings on the walls date to the Eneolithic, the last phase of the Neolithic (circa 4000-2000 BC). These signs were not decorative, but probably ritual and symbolic, linked to cults related to the sun and nature.
Over the centuries, the surrounding area has remained a landmark even in historical times, thanks to its strategic location along the coast. Even today, to reach the cave, you follow a path that runs alongside the remains of World War II military posts, evidence of the area's continued use.
Cave paintings
Inside the Grotta dei Cavalli you can see paintings in red ochre depicting:
- stylized anthropomorphic figures, some with bows or arrows
- geometric signs such as concentric circles, ellipses and wavy lines
- symbols interpreted as solar representations
- a stylized vessel, linking rock art to navigation activities
These elements show affinities with other Sicilian caves, such as the Grotta del Genovese in Levanzo and the Grotta dell'Uzzo in the nearby Zingaro Reserve.
Solstice phenomenon
The cave's location is no coincidence. During the summer solstice, at sunset, the sun's rays penetrate inside and directly illuminate the paintings, enhancing the figures' red hue. This archaeoastronomy phenomenon suggests that the cave was used as a natural calendar and as a point of orientation for sea routes westward, toward Sardinia and the areas rich in metals.
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