In the mountains in eastern Italy there is a magic cave called the Hall of Candles or Grottas Frasassi (Grotte di Frasassi).

White stalagmites - stone columns that sprout from the floor of the cave - really look like giant candles. And at the foot of these columns there are stone thickenings resembling candlesticks.

Like all underground caves, the Hall of candles was formed like this: rainwater, penetrating the rocks, gradually eroded the stone, and an empty space was obtained inside the mountain.

Stalactites grow very slowly - by 1 centimeter in 1000 years.

Thousands of years ago primitive people took refuge in caves. They painted paintings on the walls: bison and mammoths.

People who explore underground tunnels and caves are called cavers.
Bats are nocturnal animals, so during the day they sleep in dark caves. And offspring are brought out there.

How are stalactites different from stalagmites?

Stalactites and stalagmites are long, pointed stones that look like huge icicles. They grow from minerals dissolved in water dripping from the ceiling of the cave. The difference between them is only that stalactites grow from top to bottom, and stalagmites from bottom to top.