Top 8 Caves in Sic Altopiano Dei Sette Comuni

The region offers a diverse range of subterranean experiences. Among the most notable are the Grotte di Oliero, known for their karstic spring system and boat tours. For a unique natural spectacle, visit Siesòn Cave (or Sciasòn Chasm), an impressive sinkhole with year-round ice at its bottom. The Spaluga di Lusiana is a deep natural chasm with historical significance, while Giacominerloch is one of the deepest abysses in the Veneto region, primarily for experienced speleologists.

Yes, the Grotte di Oliero complex is highly suitable for families. It offers guided boat tours through the Covol dei Siori cave, where you can see impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The complex also features a natural park with a Speleological Museum and a Paper Mill Museum, making it an engaging experience for all ages.

The Altopiano dei Sette Comuni is rich in history. You can explore sites like Quota 2093 / Biancardi Gallery WW1, a historical tunnel that served as an Austro-Hungarian machine gun emplacement and later an Italian command headquarters during World War I. The Spaluga di Lusiana also holds somber historical importance related to both World War I and World War II. Additionally, the region features ancient cave drawings in Val d'Assa, attributed to prehistoric communities, offering a glimpse into early human presence.

The region is a vast karstic area, so you'll encounter a natural labyrinth of grottos, tunnels, fissures, and canyons. Expect to see impressive stalactites and stalagmites, especially in the Grotte di Oliero. Deep sinkholes like Busa del Can Sinkhole and Buso dei Quaranta are common, showcasing significant karst formations. The Grotta del Sciason is characterized by a deep shaft and a distinctive air vortex.

For an accessible and guided experience, the Covol dei Siori within the Grotte di Oliero complex is ideal. It's tourist-friendly, with boat tours and nature guides. The Grotta del Sciason is also easily accessible via a short and relatively easy trail (CAI 810) from Piazzale del Centro Fondo Campolongo, offering a protected viewpoint into its depths.

The Altopiano dei Sette Comuni offers several challenging sites for experienced speleologists. Giacominerloch, with an estimated depth of nearly 600 meters, is a complex cave system featuring vertical drops and large chambers. The Covol dei Veci, part of the Grotte di Oliero, is an entirely submerged spring exclusively accessible to experienced cave divers. Some historical tunnels, like sections of Quota 2093 / Biancardi Gallery WW1, can also be technically demanding.

The region offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find many easy hikes, such as the Porta Manazzo – Val Formica Mountain Hut loop. For more challenging adventures, there are running trails like the Cima Portule and Cima Larici ring tour. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the Vaia Eagle of Marcesina – Barricata Hut loop available.

Many caves, like the Covol dei Siori in Grotte di Oliero, maintain a constant temperature of around 12°C year-round, making them suitable for visits in any season. However, for caves like Siesòn Cave, caution is advised in colder months due to ice, though the ice itself is a unique feature. For outdoor trails leading to caves, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, while summer is also popular.

Visitors appreciate the impressive scale and natural beauty of the sinkholes and chasms, often describing them as 'spectacular.' The historical significance of sites like the World War I logistics base caves is also highly valued. Many enjoy the unique experience of exploring these karstic formations, from accessible tourist caves to challenging speleological sites, and the panoramic views offered by some locations.

Yes, the Grotta del Sciason in Rotzo is easily accessible and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Val d'Astico, Pasubio, Altopiano del Tonezza, and the Brenta Dolomites from its viewpoint. Inside the Covol dei Siori (Grotte di Oliero), you can witness a remarkable 14-meter-high alabastrine stalactite waterfall in the 'Sala della Colata' (Chamber of Flows).

For tourist-friendly caves like the Grotte di Oliero, you typically do not need special permits, but guided tours often require tickets. For more challenging or technical caves, such as Giacominerloch or the submerged Covol dei Veci, specialized equipment and expertise are essential, and access may be restricted or require permits from speleological associations. Always check specific requirements for the cave you plan to visit.

Absolutely. The Grotta del Sciason can be combined with a visit to the historical Forte Campolongo. Many caves in the region, including Cima Caldiera Logistics Base Caves (World War I) and Quota 2093 / Biancardi Gallery WW1, are themselves historical sites, often integrated into trails that explore World War I trenches and fortifications.