GROTTA DEI DOSSI

The Grotta dei Dossi, located in the borough of Villanova di Mondovì, on the slopes of Mount Calvario, was formed by karst phenomena. It is 910 metres long in total and spans an elevation gain of 21 metres.

It was the first cave to be discovered in the province of Cuneo in 1797, by an unknown hunter, and it was also the first cave in Italy to be fitted with electric lighting, using 30 Edison light bulbs.

The cave consists of a spectacular succession of corridors and chambers decorated with multi-coloured rock formations of the most amazing shades and hues, making it one of the most colourful caves in Italy.

Starting with the “Galleria Moresca” (‘Moorish Gallery’), you then find yourself in the “Barca di Caronte”  (‘Charon’s Boat’), a name that conjures up striking mythological images, and on to the “Salone del Lago” (‘Hall of the Lake’) with its crystal clear blue water, moving on to the marble whiteness of the “Bagni di Venere” (‘Venus’ Baths’), the  “Salottino Gotico” (‘Gothic Drawing Room’) with its pointed vaulted ceiling, the chamber known as the “Albo dei Visitatori” (‘Visitors’ Book’), the “Sala del Bacino” (‘Hall of the Pond’), the “Sala dei Tendaggi” (‘Hall of Curtains’), the “Gran Sala del Cigno” (‘Great Hall of the Swan’), the ”Anticamera dell’inferno” (‘Hell’s Antechamber’), the “Grotta dei Pipistrelli” (‘Cave of Bats’) the “Sala degli Arazzi” (‘Hall of Wall Hangings’) and the “Sala del Buon Genio” (‘Hall of the Good Spirit’).
 

OPENING TIMES

• Open every Sunday and on bank holidays

◦ Winter hours: (November – March) 3 pm – 5 pm (guided tours at 3 pm and 4 pm)
◦ Summer hours: 3 pm – 6 pm (guided tours at 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm)

• AUGUST: open EVERY AFTERNOON 3 pm – 6 pm (guided tours at 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm)
• In July, August and September, the cave is also open in the morning on Sundays and bank holidays from 10 am to midday (guided tours at 10 am and 11 am)
• During the Christmas holidays (25 December – 6 January) open EVERY AFTERNOON 3 pm – 6 pm (guided tours at 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm)
Open every day for groups of at least 8 people, prior booking required.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

We recommend wearing non-slip shoes and a jacket, as the temperature inside the cave is constantly around 8-9 degrees Celsius.