GROTTE DEL CAUDANO

The Grotte del Caudano caves were discovered in December 1898 during the construction of a reservoir for the aqueduct of Frabosa Sottana’s hydroelectric power plant.

The caves are unusual due to the clay floor, which tinges the walls a yellow-red hue thanks to the presence of iron oxide, and the many rock formations found there: such as stalactites, stalagmites and columns. In contrast, some of the walls are white due to calcium carbonate deposits and sometimes you’ll note the glimmering of small quartz crystals here and there.

The caves were formed by the passage of two underground streams and are made up of a network of horizontal galleries that cover four levels. However only the second and third levels are open to tourists, while the other two levels can only be explored by speleologists. Visitors walk through the caves along steps and walkways and must wear hiking boots, a jumper or fleece and a waterproof windcheater, as the caves are humid and muddy due to the large amount of clay and water.

While visiting the caves, you can admire a number of interesting rock formations named after the images they conjure up, such as ‘the waterfall’ and ‘the organ pipes’ (some of which were cut in the past when access to the cave was unrestricted and rocks were removed to be sold to collectors). In some sections of the caves, the ceilings are covered in thin, pin-like stalactites that form a rock formation known as the ‘bed of nails’ due to its perfect needle shapes.

Last but not least, the caves are also interesting from a paleontological point of view, due to the number of Ursus Spelaeus bones found there: a prehistoric cave bear that existed between 80,000 and 12,000 years ago in southern Europe.

Some of the bones found in these caves are on display in the ticket office.