THE TOURS IN THE CAVE

The touristic route is divided into 3 parts, with aspects completely different from one another: The tour of all 3 parts, the third itinerary, lasts about 3 hours, but it’s possible to visit only the first part with the first itinerary, about one hour, or the first 2 parts with the second itinerary of about 2 hours.

The routes are all floored in cement, with metal railings and artificial lighting so are easily accessible for most visitors. When choosing your tour however, we suggest that you evaluate that the length, number of steps and total difference in height are compatible for your own physical conditions.

CLOTHING ADVISED

The temperature inside is constant at +10,7°C, and the relative humidity around 99%, so clothing suitable for these climatic conditions is advised.

Sensibility to hot/cold depends on each individual, but in general a sweater and a pair of long trousers are fine for the majority of visitors. Avoid both excessively light and heavy clothing (quilted trousers, anoraks etc.).

The walkway is rough cement so it is not particularly slippery. For further safety however we advise you to wear rubber-soled shoes.

Following particularly heavy rainfall, there can be quite a lot of water dripping on the path. Especially in the parts visited in the Third Itinerary (3 hours) it’s advisable to wear a light waterproof jacket.

 

REGULATIONS FOR VISITING THE CAVE

  • It is not allowed to bring animals, regardless of their size
  • It is not allowed to take rucksacks, large bags, baby carriers, pushchairs, sticks, umbrellas, tripods, large camera cases, and large objects into the cave.
  • It is severely forbidden to touch or damage the formations, smoke, eat, throw litter or other objects and disturb the visit in any way.
  • Photography is allowed only during the stops throughout the tour and never when the group is moving or leaving the cave.

 

Grotta del Vento

1st Itinerary

What to see: the cave bear, the wind, many limestone formations

In the first part, the flattest, a marvellous crystal lake can be seen, along with a great amount of limestone formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone most of which are living, that means they are still growing. The steps are divided into different relatively short sections, alternated by flatter parts, so this itinerary is not very tiring and also suitable for children.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Length: 800 m.
  • Steps: 366

2nd Itinerary

What to see: it includes the first part, the Giants’Abyss, the underground river and silt formations.

At the end of the first itinerary the descent of the Giants’ abyss begins, which leads to the Hall of Voices, where particular acoustics create suggestive effects. One proceeds into an area in which the cave is still expanding. The limestone formations give place to great forms of erosion, a little water course flows along the bottom and unusual mud formations remind us of vast pine forests.
Suitable for children from 6 years of age, it is not recommended for those suffering from vertigo, heart disorders and people with slight mobility problems.

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Length: 1500 m.
  • Steps: 850

3rd Itinerary

What to see: vertical shaft, underground canyon, during periods of heavy rainfall the waterfalls start. Complete tour of the cave.

 

In the third part you visit a perfectly vertical 90-metre shaft, which is climbed up into a large room, followed by a short underground canyon. Across the Tunnel of Wonders you reach the part of the cave richest in formations. The third itinerary includes the visit of the 1st and 2nd itineraries and lasts about 3 hours.

Suitable for children from 6-8 years of age, it is not recommended for those suffering from vertigo, heart disorders and people with slight mobility problems.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Length: 2200 m.
  • Steps: 1195