Hypogeum of Calaforno in Monterosso Almo
The hypogeum of Calaforno in Giarratana is an artificial underground structure from the prehistoric era which constitutes a unique example in the archaeological panorama of the entire Mediterranean basin.
The hypogeum it consists of 35 circular and sub-circular chambers of 2-3 meters in diameter and 1 meter in height, connected sequentially through a small opening. The entrance to the hypogeum, not accessible today, was through a long vestibule about 10 meters long.
According to some studies, it is believed that the structure may have been built in the Neolithic period even if the oldest ceramic material found on the site it dates back to the middle of the third millennium BC. Remains from the Greek era have been found at the site, including a statuette of the deity Bes-Phat, and from the Byzantine era. Some modifications of the hypogeum date back to the Byzantine era, such as the enlargement of a series of cells for the creation of a multi-lobed room where an earthen tomb of a child was obtained.
It is believed that the structure was used as a burial ground in that period. prehistoric while in the Greek era it was a votive sanctuary.
