The landscape of Pale was shaped by the action of the water which furrowed through the imposing limestone rocks (Formation of the Massive Limestone) but also generated cavities, gorges, cascades and lakes. In addition to digging, the waters of the Menotre river also accumulated impressive travertine deposits, penetrated the fractures of the limestone and encrusted the cavities, creating underground worlds: one of these is located under Piazza Elisei, and is known as the Cave of Pale or Cave of the Abbadessa.
The cave consists of a larger cavity and other cavities of modest size, enriched by imposing stalactites that are welded with stalagmites forming columns up to 8 meters high. The importance of the cave is not only aesthetic: both geological and biological historical events are here recorded, for example the way the endemic beetles adapted to the underground life.
The Palace of the Elisei family once opened onto the square and extended towards the current Altolina Waterfall Park.
