Now it's time to look up at the ceiling covered with these special stalactites: it is here that the Grotto once again distinguishes itself from the outside world. Almost as if to rebel against the laws of gravity, which would pull everything toward the center of the Earth, these stalactites branch out in every direction, traveling in horizontal trajectories without any apparent goal, sometimes even moving upwards towards the ceiling. This rare rebellious motion represents yet another unique feature of this place. Nature creates intricate lace-like patterns, sometimes imitating its own forms or inventing new ones, which is why this hall is also known as the Hall of Coral or the Hall of Lace and Embroidery.

Not just karst, not just erosion, not just subtraction: like the greatest artists, the Grotto destroys and creates at its own pleasure, taking all the time it needs, following its own rules and styles, which only recently have humans begun to understand.

In the attempt to study and understand Nature's mechanisms, humans also leave their mark, this time respectful and considerate: the device you saw at the entrance of the hall is a weather station that measures the temperature and humidity of the Grotto. The temperature, indifferent to weather whims and seasonal changes, remains constant between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, while humidity ranges from 70% to a maximum of 98% during the summer. If you are listening to this audio guide in the sunny season, take advantage of the cool air generously provided by Neptune himself!

And if you think you hear musical notes, don't worry: it's not the temperature change playing tricks on you. You'll understand why in the next part of the journey. The path now divides into two lanes: to reach the next hall, we'll take the left side of the trail, then make a U-turn and retrace our steps. The ceiling height here is particularly low, so proceed with caution and care. It will be worth it!