Velletri cave discovery reveals WWII-era explosive

Members of the Velletri Sotterranea association, led by geographer Valentino D’Aniello, have rediscovered a cave in the historic center of Velletri, Italy, that had been sealed since the immediate post-war period.

During the exploration, the group discovered a World War II-era MK grenade. Following the report, the Carabinieri and bomb disposal specialists from the Army’s 6th Engineer Pioneer Regiment of Rome intervened to secure the area and remove the explosive device.

Local officials, including Mayor Ascanio Cascella and Tourism Councilor Paolo Felci, praised the association for their work, noting that their efforts contribute to both the cultural and touristic valorization of the city as well as local safety and hydrogeological monitoring.