There are over fifty three areas in Tuscany that contain curious cave networks, underground tunnels, passages and underground lakes that is sure to add significantly to the prospect of adventure on your next holiday here!
There are 1,597 discovered caves here as well as over 270 kilometres of natural underground passageways. Tourists wishing to base some or all of their holiday stay near to some of this exciting places could stay a beautiful holiday villa in areas like Garfagnana, Montecatini, Versilia or anywhere close to the Apuan Alps.
An example of one such extensive cave system in Tuscany is a spring that rises in the Apuan Alps within the Monte Corchia cave system. This is the most elaborate cave system in Italy, with over sixty kilometres of passages and caves that also includes ‘Paolo Roversi’, a cave that is 1,249 metres deep, making it the deepest in Italy.
Visitors can learn about the five million year old geological history of this fascinating place and much more! Other caves have visitor information centres that sometimes provide tour guides to lead you through it and teach you about the chemistry, geology and biology of these formations as well as some fascinating information on rare flora and fauna that thrive in those dark conditions.
There are 1,597 discovered caves here as well as over 270 kilometres of natural underground passageways. Tourists wishing to base some or all of their holiday stay near to some of this exciting places could stay a beautiful holiday villa in areas like Garfagnana, Montecatini, Versilia or anywhere close to the Apuan Alps.
An example of one such extensive cave system in Tuscany is a spring that rises in the Apuan Alps within the Monte Corchia cave system. This is the most elaborate cave system in Italy, with over sixty kilometres of passages and caves that also includes ‘Paolo Roversi’, a cave that is 1,249 metres deep, making it the deepest in Italy.
Visitors can learn about the five million year old geological history of this fascinating place and much more! Other caves have visitor information centres that sometimes provide tour guides to lead you through it and teach you about the chemistry, geology and biology of these formations as well as some fascinating information on rare flora and fauna that thrive in those dark conditions.
Some of these caves are open for tourists to explore, including the three biggest in the Apuan Alps; Grotta del Vento’ in Garfagnana, ‘Grotte di Equi Terme’ in Lunigiana and ‘Antro del Corchia’ in Versilia. These are fully safe to walk through are very well preserved. Discover some other caves in Tuscany where archaeologists have discovered bones and artefacts from ancient humans, Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.
Also worth exploring are the many mines and accompanying museums that are scattered all over Tuscany. Learn all about the interesting history of metal works in these areas that excavated precious resources like iron, lead, copper and silver. These mines and museums which document their history can be found on Elba Island, Monte Amiata, the Apuan Alp and many more areas.
Tuscany is packed full Etruscan grave sites and tombs, as well as remnants of ancient settlements and artefacts. One such site worth visiting is the old Etruscan village of Vitozza that was practically carved out of the soft volcanic rock called tufo. Most of the buildings uncovered there were carved into the ground, with only the church and castle standing on ground level.
Also worth exploring are the many mines and accompanying museums that are scattered all over Tuscany. Learn all about the interesting history of metal works in these areas that excavated precious resources like iron, lead, copper and silver. These mines and museums which document their history can be found on Elba Island, Monte Amiata, the Apuan Alp and many more areas.
Tuscany is packed full Etruscan grave sites and tombs, as well as remnants of ancient settlements and artefacts. One such site worth visiting is the old Etruscan village of Vitozza that was practically carved out of the soft volcanic rock called tufo. Most of the buildings uncovered there were carved into the ground, with only the church and castle standing on ground level.
Many towns built on what were once sophisticated Etruscan settlements often have elaborate drainage galleries and cistern channels still in existences under them. These were used to gather filtered water from the rocks above and bring water inside town walls for consumption and other uses. A famous example of this is called the ‘Bottini’ system that runs for twenty five kilometres under Siena city.
Read through our related articles that describe in more detail the caves, mines, interesting underground formations and related museums that are scattered all over Tuscany. A visit to one or a few of these places is guaranteed to be an enriching experience to add to your next holiday to Tuscany!
Read through our related articles that describe in more detail the caves, mines, interesting underground formations and related museums that are scattered all over Tuscany. A visit to one or a few of these places is guaranteed to be an enriching experience to add to your next holiday to Tuscany!
Photo credits
picture 1: Thalpha / CC BY-3.0;
picture 2: Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 3: Petitverdot / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Thalpha / CC BY-3.0;
picture 2: Tobias Helfrich / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 3: Petitverdot / CC BY-SA 3.0
