Overview
It is an artificial cave of unique appeal, due to its human ear-like shape. It is 65 metres in length, between 5 and 11 metres wide, and 23 metres in height, narrowing towards the top, almost into a pointed arch. The name was given it by Caravaggio, in 1608, during a visit to the latomia. Legend has it that Dionysus used the cave as a prison, so that he could listen from above to what the prisoners were saying, even when speaking quietly. In fact, the cave is famous for its extraordinary acoustic properties, capable of amplifying any sound. Simply tear a sheet of paper to appreciate this amazing echo effect.
