Caves and mines to visit in
Friuli Venezia Giulia
What to expect
Friuli Venezia Giulia is an area rich in karst areas, in which more than 6,000 caves develop, some of which reach extensions of several tens of kilometers and hundreds of meters in depth. These caves are a heritage of priceless beauty. The majority of these cavities are accessible only to cavers while others have been equipped and secured to allow everyone to visit them safely. Read reviews of all the caves we have explored to date.
NATURAL CAVES
These caves are a true hidden treasure, created over thousands of years by water erosion of the rock. Most of these caves can only be visited by cavers, while others are open to the public. Among the most famous tourist caves in Friuli Venezia Giulia are the Grotta Gigante, the Pradis Caves, the Villanova Cave, the Torri di Slivia Cave and the San Giovanni d’Antro Cave.
FORMER MINES (ARTIFICIAL CAVES)
Mines fall into the category of artificial, that is, man-made caves. Over the centuries, mining has played a crucial role in the region’s industry. Today, some of these have been converted into museums and tourist sites, allowing visitors to explore them. The main mines that can be visited in Friuli Venezia Giulia are the Cave del Predil Mine and the Cludinico Mine.
Show caves
- Sgonico (TS)
- 1 hour
- 850 m
Grotta Gigante
The Giant Cave consists of a giant hall nearly 100 m high, 168 m long and 76 m wide. In 1995 it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest natural hall.
- Duino-Aurisina (TS)
- 1 hour
- 120 m
Grotta Torri di Slivia
In the heart of the Trieste Karst, an area unique for its wealth of caves and cavities, is the Torri di Slivia Cave, a private cave, but open to the public, and one of the most beautiful of those that can be visited.
- Pulfero (UD)
- 1 hour
- 300 m
Grotta S. Giovanni d'Antro
Climbing the steep steps, going over the walls and discovering a church built inside a cave is fascinating. The guided tour also allows visitors to explore the cave behind an altar.
- Clauzetto (PN)
- 1 hour
- 1.5 km
Grotte di Pradis
The caves and gorge of Pradis include a whole area to be discovered, where suggestive glimpses are concealed in every ravine, immersing oneself in a wonderful natural stage carved out by the waters over the millennia.
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Temporarily closed
- Lusevera (UD)
- 1.30/2.30 hours
- 700 m
Grotta di Villanova
The Villanova caves are one of the jewels of Friuli, and a visit to the New Cave is an exciting and unique experience. Equipped for sightseeing, it consists of a 9-kilometer underground route, allowing visitors to enjoy an educational, adventurous and safe visit.
Former mines that can be visited
- Cave del Predil (UD)
- 1 hour
- 1.3 km
Miniera Cave del Predil
The Raibl Mine, better known as the Cave del Predil Mine, is located in the province of Udine a few kilometers from Tarvisio. The mining complex consists of 130 km of tunnels spread over 23 levels. The area that can be visited is the zero level where part of it is walked through.
- Ovaro (UD)
- 3 hours
- 2 km
Miniera di Cludinico
A very original trip allows visitors to explore the Cludinico mine, passing through more than 2 km of tunnels illuminated, for the most part, by only the light of the flashlight on the helmet. A speleological guide leads to the discovery of mining processes, coal veins and the ancient miner’s craft.
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Experiences in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Semi-tourist caves
- Lusevera (UD)
- 25 minutes
- 500 m
Abisso di Vigant
The wide 15-meter portal immediately evokes the grandeur of Vigant Abyss, which is 252 meters deep and whose underground development is accessible only to experienced cavers. A wooden walkway with handrails allows for a safe visit to the entrance.
- Paluzza (UD)
- 30 minutes
- 800 m
Grotte di Timau
Just above the source of the Fontanone di Timau opens the intricate tunnel system of the Timau Caves. The cavities are not natural, or are only partially natural, but date back to ancient chalcopyrite mine galleries.
Underground experiences
Would you like to experience the thrill of exploring a cave or mine? The experience of entering an underground environment is unique and adventurous. There are several ways to have this kind of experience:
- Tourist cave tours: organized tours that allow you to explore a section of cave that has been secured and designed to make it as easy as possible for the general public.
- Visits to mines and artificial caves: take part in a group led by a licensed guide who takes you along the tunnels of the former mines, which have also been secured.
- Caving experiences: This type of activity allows you to experience the thrill of true exploration of a natural, non-tourist cave. Lighted helmet on your head, a few bottlenecks and ready to “get dirty” to learn about the real underground environment, accompanied by a caving guide.
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