The Grotta della Poesia
The Grotta della Poesia is one of the most iconic places in Salento. Famous for its turquoise waters and its perfectly circular shape carved into the rock, it is considered one of the most beautiful natural pools in Italy. A place where nature, history and legend coexist, overlooking the Adriatic coast of southern Italy.
What is the Grotta della Poesia?
The Grotta della Poesia is a natural karst cavity connected directly to the sea through underground channels. Its clear and deep water shifts between shades of emerald green and intense blue, creating a striking visual effect. Originally, the cave was completely covered. Over time, the collapse of the vault created the shape we see today: a large circular basin carved into the rock, resembling a natural swimming pool open to the sky.
Where is the Grotta della Poesia?
The Grotta della Poesia is located in Roca Vecchia, within the municipality of Melendugno, along the Adriatic coast of Salento. It lies just a few kilometres from Torre dell’Orso and can be easily reached by car or on foot from the nearby archaeological site of Roca. Its location makes it a natural stop for those exploring the Salento coastline, where rocky coves meet Mediterranean landscapes and crystal-clear water.
The legend about the Grotta della Poesia
The name Grotta della Poesia is linked to an ancient legend. According to local tradition, a young woman of extraordinary beauty used to bathe in these waters. Her presence attracted poets and travellers who gathered here to admire her and dedicate verses to her beauty. From these stories and poems, it is said, the cave received its evocative name — becoming a symbol of inspiration and natural wonder.
An archaeological site of great value
Beyond its natural beauty, the Grotta della Poesia is part of an archaeological area of great importance. The nearby site of Roca Vecchia preserves traces of ancient settlements and rock inscriptions dating back to the Messapian and Roman periods. Inside the cave, engravings in Latin and Greek can still be seen on the rock walls, evidence that the site was frequented in ancient times not only for its natural features but also for cultural and ritual purposes.
Can you swim in the Grotta della Poesia?
Today the Grotta della Poesia is part of the Roca Vecchia Archaeological Park and can be visited with an entrance ticket. For the protection of the historical and natural site, swimming inside the cave is no longer permitted. Visitors can still walk through the area and observe the cave from above, appreciating its shape, the colour of the water and the surrounding archaeological landscape. Swimming is instead possible in the nearby sea outside the protected area, along the adjacent rocky coastline.
From Borgo Sentinella to the Grotta della Poesia
The Grotta della Poesia is located just a few minutes from Borgo Sentinella and can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle along the cycle and pedestrian path connecting Torre dell’Orso to the Roca Vecchia Archaeological Park. Visiting this place means encountering one of the most famous landscapes of Salento, before returning to the quiet atmosphere of the masseria, far from the busiest stretches of the coast.
FAQ – Domande & Risposte
The Grotta della Poesia is a natural karst cave located on the Adriatic coast of Salento near the archaeological site of Roca Vecchia. Its circular shape and turquoise water make it one of the most famous natural pools in Italy.
The Grotta della Poesia is located in Roca Vecchia, in the municipality of Melendugno, along the Adriatic coast of Salento. It lies just a few kilometres from Torre dell’Orso and can be easily reached from Lecce.
According to local legend, a beautiful young woman used to bathe in the cave’s waters. Poets and travellers gathered there to admire her and dedicate poems to her beauty, giving the cave its name.
Swimming inside the Grotta della Poesia is no longer allowed because the site is part of the protected archaeological park of Roca Vecchia. Visitors can still admire the cave from above and swim in nearby coastal areas.
