A fantastic Journey UNDER Tuscany !
In Garfagnana, near Massa Carrara, in Northern Tuscany, the Grotta del Vento is a superlative European cave, provided with a great deal of professional guides and well paved and lit itineraries designed for all kinds of legs and tastes.
First discovered in 1600, it was explored and opened to the public in 1962. The name derives from the peculiar fact that the cave has two exits. One is located 600 meters above sea level, while the other, unaccessible to people, is located at 1400 meters above sea level. The difference in temperatures creates a continuous stream of air. Due to the fact that inside the cave the temperature is at 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year, during wintertime the stream of air flows upward, since outside it's cooler, while during summertime the stream flows downwards. However, during guided tour the air flow is non existent due to the closure of air-tight doors.
Guided tours develop along the course of three itineraries, lasting 1, 2 and 3 hours respectively. During the itineraries one has the chance to admire unique landscapes of stalagmites and stalctites, thin layers of limestone, underground rivers and crystal blue lakes.
The cave has been explored through a path of 4 miles, although a staggering 30 more branches have not yet been explored!
The guided tour's schedule is the following:
The Grotta del Vento is open every day of the year (excluding December 25th). Between 1st April and 1st November and 26th December and 6th January, and on Sundays and public holidays of the remaining period the times are as follows:
Itinerary One: 10 am, 11 am, noon, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm.
Itinerary Two: 11 am, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm.
Itinerary Three: 10 am, 2 pm.
On weekdays and on Saturdays between November 2nd and December 24th and January 7th and March 31st, only the itinerary One (1 hour) is possible at 10 am, 11 am, noon, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm.
For organised groups of 20+ (tourist agencies, schools and other associations), tours are available throughout the year, even outside the above stated hours, but subject to prior arrangement. Bookings can be made through the following address:
Direzione "Grotta del Vento"
I-55020 Fornovolasco (LU)
tel. +39-0583-722024 fax 722053
E-mail:info@grottadelvento.com
Click on the picture to get a better view of the driving directions
Curious about the Planimetry of the Grotta del Vento? Click on the pink map!!
All info taken from
http://www.grottadelvento.com/guida/index.html
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