End of Famous Grotto
Tho famous grotto near Portavcnere, which has been known as "Byron's Cave," has collapsed (writes an overseas correspondent). As the result of lorig years, during which the waves of the Mediterranean hayp beaten against its rocky walls, it fell in. The original name of the cave was the, "Grptta Arpaia," but that title was set on one side from the legend which connected tho poet with the place. Here pilgrims have come and have imagined the figure of Byron seated in this beautiful' spqtj meditating on his verses. He has even been said to have composes "The Corsair" here .and a tablet, with an inscription" in English and Italian, is set in the rock, bearing the lines which are, believed to have been inspired by those beautiful surroundings. It is trujj, undoubtedly, that Byron did come to psxt Shelley during his stay at San -Teßenzo, and that he came sometimes to Jhe "Grotta Arpaia," but "The Corsair" was published eight years before that time. It is more probable, however, that the poem of "The, Island" wak suggested and written in this place, as it corresponds in point of time with his stay with' Shelley and his excursions in. "the neighbourhood. It is said that_ Byron swam across the Gulf of Spezia 'from this^cave to LWici.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19330325.2.146.6
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 71, 25 March 1933, Page 21
Word Count
219End of Famous Grotto Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 71, 25 March 1933, Page 21
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