Top 15 Caves around Lonigo

The Grotta di San Bernardino is a small and fascinating medieval hermitage, nestled at the base of a ten-meter-high limestone pinnacle (the only rock tower in the entire Berici Hills). The building's façade encloses a karst cavity about thirty meters long and ten meters wide. An evocative and mysterious setting. According to tradition, the name derives from the shelter it provided to Saint Bernardino of Siena, who preached in these areas in the 15th century. In the early 16th century, this cave, like others in the Berici Hills, was adapted as a temporary refuge for the local populations, while the Venetian plain was subjected to enemy raids. The oldest prehistoric remains in the Vicenza area (tools and animal bones dating back 200,000 years) were found inside the cave: it was likely used by Neanderthals as a hunting base. Interesting fact: the abundance of animal bones was the main cause of soil removal and the resulting significant impoverishment of San Bernardino's paleontological heritage. In fact, in 1890, the Camerini family, owners of the site, had the rich phosphate material excavated from the cave. It was transported downstream by cableway and used as fertilizer for the fields! The cave is occasionally open to the public, with guided tours organized by the Mossano Tourist Board (Pro Loco), which you can contact for details. http://www.tuttoberici.it/arte/S-Bernardino-Grotta-Mossano.htm https://www.archeoveneto.it/portale/wp-content/filemaker/stampa_scheda_estesa.php?recid=189

Going to the Grotta di San Bernardino is like taking a step back in time, an experience that touches the heart and mind. Imagine finding yourself in the same place where, thousands of years ago, prehistoric men lit fires and hunted, and where, in the Middle Ages, hermits sought refuge. This cave has seen a succession of stories of hunting, prayer and refuge. Visiting the cave is a way to connect with the history of the area and to live an experience full of emotions.

This unique, rare, and fascinating two-story cave dwelling was ingeniously carved out of a depleted stone quarry, sealing off the openings and creating internal spaces with walls, exploiting every nook and cranny until it completely integrated with the quarry. This cave dwelling is known as 'Sengia dei Meoni,' after the last family who lived there until 1959. But on August 11th of that year, during a violent storm, lightning struck from the chimney, starting a fire, shaking the walls and making the building uninhabitable. The family survived, but the dwelling was permanently abandoned. It was restored in 2013, with original rustic furnishings from the early 1900s, becoming a museum open only on specific months, days, and times: a blast from the past! For information: https://www.facebook.com/p/Museo-della-Pietra-a-Zovencedo-Coop-Scatola-Cultura-100063707821673/?locale=it_IT

From Mossano (near the town hall), follow the clearly visible signs, path 81, which after a short descent leads you uphill between old mills, accompanied by the sweet sound of the stream.

The Valle dei Mulini of Mossano and path 81 take you to a wonderful corner of the Berici, where history, traditions and nature come together to give those who travel it a unique experience of peace and tranquility. It is a path also suitable for children, easy and always well maintained.

Natural caves near the church of San Donato. Beautiful view of the plain and the Euganei.

Reachable by following path 72 starting from Villaga Fantastic view of the plain, as well as a place of historical interest

Superb ride in the heart of the Berici