One of our italian employees took some of us on a hike to the Caves of Grottaglie. He was very knowledgable about the history. His wife's grand mother lived in the caves during WWII when the Germans were bombing the airfield near Grottaglie. The name Grottaglie means "many ravines". Many caves built in the limestone date back to the dark ages. The caves were used during invasions and as late as WWII.

Wooden walls and doors would have been constructed in front of the cave for securtiy and warmth. There were two round water cisterns built, a form of cement was used to line them to ensure the water didnt leak out. There was a church and some of the painting were still visible. It was a cold day but very fun hike.