Val de' Varri's Cave

Inaugurated in 2003, the Val de’ Varri Caves are a complex of fossil and active cavities located at the base of the southern slope of Mount Sant’Angelo. Also known as the “Inghiottitoio di Val de’ Varri,” these caves offer a fascinating exploration of nature and history.

The horizontal development of the caves, extending eastward, led to the identification of the resurgence of these waters near Civitella, along the Laoleana stream, where they flow into the Salto River. A displacement of 80 meters over a distance of 2 kilometers between the cave’s extreme points results in a particularly gentle slope of the underground conduit.

During explorations, ceramic fragments, faunal elements, items made of flint and metal, a clay spindle whorl, a grinding stone, and bone artifacts were discovered. These findings are currently preserved in the “Pigorini” Archaeological Museum in Rome.

A educational path, equipped with nine panels, allows visitors to read and understand the cave’s formation in its various morphological, planimetric, archaeological aspects, and the flora and fauna, particularly concerning bats. The trail continues along the Rio Varri bed on the right, with the old mill on the left, leading to the entrance of the cave, which consists of two main branches.

Here, the waters of the Rio Varri flow through the gorge, creating a beautiful 20-meter waterfall that disappears among the rocks. The wide entrance of the left branch is immediately visible, above which a 30-meter high limestone wall rises steeply. This branch develops on two levels: the first is fossil, where remains of human presence have been found, while the second is active, situated at a lower elevation and still affected by the flowing water and its erosive action.

The two branches meet after about 100 meters at the lowest point, where the waters return to the surface and flow from the left side into the right, continuing the journey and feeding the small underground lakes. The right branch has become fossilized for the first stretch up to the confluence hall. It features orthogonal chambers arranged across various levels, richly adorned with remarkable concretion effects: stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, columns, pillars, straws, and the rare “leopard spot” (clay vermiculations that decorate the rock walls).

The route concludes with an opening into the confluence hall, where the two branches join, creating a stunning display of natural beauty.