Xerri's Grotto

Xerri's Grotto
Map showing the location of Xerri's Grotto
Location Xagħra, Gozo, Malta
Coordinates 36°03′04.5″N 14°15′40.9″E / 36.051250°N 14.261361°E / 36.051250; 14.261361Coordinates: 36°03′04.5″N 14°15′40.9″E / 36.051250°N 14.261361°E / 36.051250; 14.261361
Discovery 1923 or 1924
Access Open to the public
Lighting Electric

Xerri's Grotto (pronounced sherry) is an underground cave in the village of Xagħra, Gozo, Malta. It was discovered by local resident Anthony Xerri in 1923[1] or 1924[2] while digging a well under a private house. Xerri's Grotto is not far from another underground feature, Ninu's Cave.

The grotto is larger than Ninu's Cave. It contains various calcified formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, some of which resemble a tortoise, a vulture, giraffes or elephant's ears. Some other formations which developed as a result of the calcification of tree roots can also be seen.[3]

The entrance to the cave is down a 10m spiral staircase, built into the original well shaft. The cave was extended during World War II when the family used it as an air raid shelter.[2]

Today, the cave is illuminated by electric lights, and is open to the public with tours being given by the owners of the house.

References

  1. ↑ "Xerri's Grotto". digigate.net/xerri. 1996. Archived from the original on 1 September 2000.
  2. 1 2 "Xerri's Grotto". visitgozo.com. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  3. ↑ Oldham, Tony (2002). "Għar Xerri". showcaves.com. Retrieved 8 May 2015.


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