Top 20 Caves in Belluno

Built in the last two decades of the 19th century, under the Kingdom of Italy, the Forte di Monte Ricco constituted the heart of the entrenched camp of Pieve di Cadore. It was conceived and built to interdict enemy approaches from the Tre Ponti narrows towards Pieve and Tai along the Piave valley and to act in close synergy with the nearby Batteria Castello, about 200 meters away, as well as with the various artillery positions on the overlying heights, on Monte Tranego, Monte Zucco, Col Vidà. Monte Ricco was probably the site of a prehistoric settlement, then of the castle of Cadore. Abandoned until 2007, it has undergone demanding restoration, consolidation, and enhancement works. Reopened to the public in 2017, it hosts exhibitions or classical music concerts. https://www.tizianovecellio.it/luoghi/il-forte-di-monte-ricco/

Wonderful panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Falzarego Pass.

The name probably derives from "lume" or flame, due to the luminescence that would have been seen on summer nights above the cavity, produced by the gases generated by the putrefaction of animal carcasses thrown into the well. The cavity was formed by karst, or by the dissolution of the rock by water. According to legend, it is inhabited by the Anguane, very ugly fairies, with nails instead of hair, and long fangs instead of teeth. During the day they went to wash clothes at Lake Santa Croce, then wandered around in search of wood, food and children to roast. At night, they lit a small fire, whose light, spotted by shepherds, gives the cavity its name

The large entrance hall of this cave conceals a deep, dark mouth, filled by an underground stream that is always well-fed, even in dry periods. This is the entrance—reserved for cave divers—to a vast and intricate network of cavities deep within the mountain. The water is actually clear, and it is thought that the name derives from the dark moss-covered floor, over which the stream flows before flowing into the Senaiga. Due to the cave's complex morphology and technical difficulties, exploration began only in the 1970s, and so far, cave divers have discovered a 1,600-meter stretch of siphons and difficult passages. In the 1930s, dye injections proved that this cave communicates with the Castello Tesino Caves, a few kilometers away. Furthermore, an examination of the fine sand found inside, rich in granite crystals, testifies to a significant contribution of water coming from the Cima d'Asta group, much higher and much more distant!

This large cave has various names: Bus de la Bela, Bus de la Vecia, Bus de la Tosa, Grotta di San Donato, and Grotta dell'Orso. The skeleton of an Ursus Spalaeus (Cave Bear) was found there, a prehistoric animal of imposing size that surpassed that of today's grizzly bear: 3.5 meters (standing) and weighing almost 1 ton. Three explanatory panels at the entrance tell its story. The skeleton is visible free of charge at the Lamon Town Hall. The remains of this mammal have been found in numerous caves across Europe, an environment they used as a dwelling and for hibernation. They often competed with prehistoric humans for ownership of the cave, and one theory suggests they became extinct precisely because of predation by our ancestors. In ancient times, the bones found were attributed to dragons or griffins! Opposite the cave, climbing a short, exposed ramp equipped with a cable leads to a beautiful waterfall. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursus_spelaeus

A via ferrata set is not absolutely necessary, but a headlamp or flashlight is a must. A helmet can't hurt either 😉

The Lagazuoi Tunnels were created by Italian soldiers during World War I and are now open to visitors. Classified as a beginner via ferrata (Via Ferrata Galleria del Piccolo Lagazuoi), the route is fully equipped with ropes and equipment to guide you through the dark, rocky terrain.

The Forte di Monte Ricco, restored and reopened to the public in 2017, often hosts exhibitions and classical music concerts. However, it is advisable to call before visiting to check the opening of the main part. During a summer visit, in fact, it was found that access was allowed only by reservation. An entrance ticket is required but inexpensive. The Fort offers the possibility to walk around the front and internal perimeter, allowing appreciation of the pre-Roman structure. Protected by a moat and a drawbridge, the site also offers a panoramic view of Monte Cristallo. The Fort was built in the pre-Roman era with a defensive function, maintained also in Roman and medieval times. Before the year 1000, it was the seat of an important castle represented in the coat of arms of Cadore. From 1420 it became the seat of the Captain of Venice, but declined in the 17th century. During the Kingdom of Italy, two fortifications were built as part of the defensive system against Austria-Hungary. During the First World War, the Fort was relegated to a warehouse and logistics. Abandoned after 1918, restoration began in 2007 on the initiative of the Municipality of Pieve di Cadore, concluding in 2017.