Grotte di Toirano: un�avventura tra storia e natura

A journey into the heart of the land in Liguria

The Toirano Caves, in the province of Savona, are a complex of karst caves of extraordinary beauty and archaeological importance. This hidden treasure just a few kilometers from the sea offers a unique experience, a fascinating journey through majestic chambers, ancient concretions, and evidence of prehistoric life.

The tour itinerary: a 70-minute exploration

The guided tour, lasting approximately 70 minutes, winds for approximately 1300 meters through the two main caves, the Grotta della Bàsura and the Grotta di Santa Lucia Inferiore, connected by a man-made tunnel. The temperature inside is a constant 16°C, so we recommend wearing appropriate clothing and comfortable, non-slip shoes.

What to see in the Toirano Caves

The tourist route is a succession of spectacular rooms, each with its own particularities:

• The Bàsura cave: also known as the "witch's cave", it is the most important from an archaeological point of view.
• The Bear Cemetery: here you can admire numerous remains of Ursus spelaeus (the cave bear), which used the cave as a shelter for hibernation tens of thousands of years ago.
• The footprint corridor: In this section you can see the hand, foot and knee prints left by prehistoric man around 12.000 years ago.
• The Hall of Mysteries: characterized by numerous clay balls attached to the wall, probably with a ritual meaning.
• The Cave of Cybele: unique for its particular "mammal" concretions.
• The cave of Santa Lucia Inferiore: Discovered in 1960, it is fascinating for its walls covered with very fine aragonite crystals.

Useful information for the visit

Guided tours are held daily, and it's recommended to check opening hours on the official website, especially during off-peak periods or in adverse weather conditions. For large groups, telephone reservations are recommended. The admission ticket also includes a visit to the Val Varatella Ethnographic Museum in Toirano.

In the surroundings of the caves

After visiting the caves, it's worth taking a stroll through the village of Toirano, a charming town that has been awarded the Touring Club Italiano's Orange Flag for its well-preserved historic center.