Cave of Santa Ninfa Reserve
The "Grotta di Santa Ninfa" Integral Nature Reserve is an evocative karst environment of high speleological, geomorphological and naturalistic interest. The reserve, located in the municipalities of Santa Ninfa and Gibellina, is located on a chalky plateau characterized by the presence of numerous underground cavities.
The natural landscape of the gypsum of Santa Ninfa, modeled over time by atmospheric precipitations, is characterized by the presence of both underground karst phenomena, represented by caves, and superficial ones, ie sinkholes, sinkholes, and blind valleys. On the chalky outcrops it is also possible to admire suggestive formations, consisting of furrows, known as karren .
Among the caves present in the reserve, of particular interest is the Grotta di Santa Ninfa. The cave consists of a mainly horizontal cavity of great speleological interest due to the presence of a complex system of meanders and tunnels, once completely invaded by water; the upper branch is now dry, while the lower one still flows the stream coming from the Biviere. The cave is characterized by splendid concretions, such as curtains, stalactites, wall inflorescences, and pisolites. The high naturalistic value of the cave of Santa Ninfa is also linked to the presence of an interesting cave fauna.
Inside the reserve there is also a necropolis of protohistoric origin , consisting of about thirty niches dug into the plaster of Monte Finestrelle, testimony of the flourishing civilization of the Elimi who dominated the entire area.
The reserve has its headquarters in the Castello di Rampinzeri, an ancient fiefdom dating back to 1600, in which it is possible to admire the ancient oil mill and the remains of a neo-Gothic style chapel, open every day to welcome visitors. The site has a video room and a naturalistic library, where it is possible to consult and view didactic and informative material on the reserve and on environmental issues.
