Let us be welcomed by the wild nature of Cicolano by exploring the Val de’ Varri CavesinPescorocchiano, a terraced village sitting on the sinkholes of the Carseolani Mountains with a view on the the Lago del Salto.
The Val de’ Varri Caves in Pescorocchiano – www.grottevaldevarri.it
The Val de’ Varri Caves, crossed by a 1800- metre stream, were discovered in 1929 and opened to the public in 2003.
Ravines at the entrance of the Val de’ Varri Caves
The guided tourist itinerary is illustrated by nine information panels. Walking along the right side of the river with the old mill on your left, you will reach the entrance of the cave, divided in two main branches. Here, the waters of the Rio Varri flow through the gorge, forming a magnificent twenty-metre waterfall, to disappear among the rocks; above the large left entrance hall, a limestone wall overhangs for about thirty metres.
Val de’ Varri Caves, left branch
After the impressive entrance gorge, we continue along the still flowing left branch, until we discover a few Neo-Eneolithic graffiti, testifying to the presence of the Apennine Man from the Middle Bronze Age. Following the fossil right branch, we reach the Salone della Confluenza, formed by the slow thousand-year-old water erosion. After flowing among stalactites and stalagmites, the water courses have formed several little lakes.
Val de’ Varri Caves
From the Salone della Confluenza, we proceed along a water path, equipped with a torch helmet and accompanied by two expert speleological guides.
Bat colonies in the Val de’ Varri Caves
According to experts, the Caves host a colony of at least five species of bats, included two endangered ones.
And now, let us start our exciting journey. A challenging adventure is waiting for us!
Val de’ Varri Cave in Pescorocchiano