Caves around Lamon, a municipality in the province of Belluno, Italy, are characterized by significant geological formations and historical importance within the Dolomites. The area features intricate underground networks, including sites with deep streams and large entrance halls. These natural attractions offer insights into speleology and the region's prehistoric past, with evidence of ancient cave bear populations. Lamon's caves provide unique natural exploration opportunities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Suggestive place: with little sun!
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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!
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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
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Road that overlooks a deep gorge of the Cismon torrent. The old asphalt road is currently closed for works and it is very difficult to cross the torrent on the dam wall
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Old road that runs alongside the infamous "strada statale 50 del Grappa e del Passo Rolle" and reaches the border with Trentino-Alto Adige. It is one of the most well-known and appreciated mountain roads in the Alps, especially for the suggestive scenarios and natural landscapes in which its route winds.
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Important discovery occurred in 1983 by a boy from the area. Evidence of use of the cave by primitive settlements has been found, with evidence of many finds. The link below describes the studies carried out by the Tridentine Museum of Natural Sciences https://apsat.mpasol.it/biblio/uploadedfiles/Awsiuk%20R.,%20Bartolomei%20G.,%20Cattani%20L.,%20Cavallo%20C.,%20Dalmeri%20G.,%20d'Errico%20F. ,%20Giacobini%20G.,%20Girod%20A.,%20Hercman%20H.%201994,%20La%20Grotta%20d%E2%80%99Ernesto%20(Trento).pdf
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The skeleton is currently preserved in a glass case visible at the Lamon town hall...👍
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In this deep cave, which can be visited in part, remains of Ursus spalaeus (Cave Bear), a large mammal that existed during the middle and late Pleistocene, were found.
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The caves around Lamon offer a range of experiences, from challenging speleological sites to those with significant historical and paleontological importance. You can find intricate underground networks, large entrance halls, and spectacular karst sinkholes. Many are considered natural monuments due to their unique geological features.
The Bus de la Bela (also known as Bus de la Vecia or Grotta di San Donato) is notable for the discovery of numerous remains of large cave bears (Ursus Spelaeus) from the Middle to Late Pleistocene. Another site, the Ernesto Cave, has yielded evidence of primitive human settlements and many archaeological finds.
Yes, the Grotta dell'acqua nera is a challenging speleological site. While visitors can enter the initial meters of its large cavern, deeper exploration is technically demanding and reserved for advanced cave divers due to complex morphology and numerous siphons. It's part of a vast, intricate underground network.
Beyond the caves themselves, the region boasts impressive natural landscapes. You can explore the Old Road of the Cismon Gorge, which offers suggestive scenarios alongside the Strada Statale 50. The area around Grotta dell'Acqua Nera also provides scenic hiking opportunities leading to the picturesque Salton Waterfall and Val Nuvola.
While some caves are challenging, the initial sections of caves like Grotta dell'Acqua Nera might be accessible for families interested in seeing the entrance. For a broader family experience, consider combining a visit with nearby moderate hiking trails, such as the 'Moss-Covered Tree Monument – Salton Waterfall loop from San Donato' or 'Senaiga Dam – Lake Senaiga loop from Lamon', which are listed in the Hiking around Lamon guide.
The area around Lamon offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Monte Coppolo Forest Climb' or the 'Senaiga Dam – Fountain from 1901 loop'. For mountain biking, routes like the 'Castello Tesino Caves – Brocon Pass loop' are available. Running enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Malga Le Prese and Croce di Naroen Loop'. More details can be found in the Hiking around Lamon, MTB Trails around Lamon, and Running Trails around Lamon guides.
The best time to visit the caves and enjoy the surrounding natural areas in Lamon is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. During these periods, the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities like hiking to cave entrances and exploring the scenic landscapes. Winter can bring snow and colder temperatures, potentially making access to some areas more difficult.
Specific parking information for each cave varies. Generally, for natural attractions in the Lamon area, you can expect to find parking in nearby villages or designated areas at the start of trails leading to the caves. It's advisable to check local signage or tourist information for the most precise parking options when planning your visit.
While the surrounding hiking trails are often dog-friendly, access policies for dogs inside the caves themselves can vary. It is generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash in natural areas. For specific cave access rules regarding pets, it's best to consult local tourist information or signage at the cave entrances.
When visiting caves, even just their entrances, it's advisable to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are recommended as cave interiors can be cooler than outside temperatures. A headlamp or flashlight is useful for exploring darker sections, and water is always a good idea for any outdoor excursion.
While the provided data does not specify regular guided tours for all caves, speleological clubs and local guides in the Belluno province may offer specialized tours for more challenging sites like Grotta dell'Acqua Nera. For general access caves, self-exploration of the initial sections is often possible. Contacting the Lamon tourist office could provide information on any available guided experiences.
The Buso dei Quaranta is a spectacular and enormous sinkhole of karst origin. It's a large collapse sinkhole bordered on three sides by vertical rock walls, swallowing up a significant portion of woodland. It's a unique natural monument in the area, offering a glimpse into the region's geological processes.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Lamon: