Top 20 Caves in Belluno

The Cansiglio Forest hides a myriad of sinkholes, pits, and swallow holes of all sizes, due to the karst morphology of the territory: the rain dissolves the limestone rock, slowly but inexorably forming these natural chasms and fissures on the ground. The Bus de la Lum is an abyss characterized by a single large vertical entrance shaft 180m high, which then develops into a very large and articulated underground complex. The depth of the shaft is best appreciated out of season, because in summer the lush vegetation tends to partially obscure the view. According to ancient beliefs, it is the dwelling of the Anguane or Anduane, fierce and evil witches, toothless, with long rusty nails instead of hair and sharp fangs, who kidnapped and ate children! They gathered at the bottom of the cave, lighting fires, whose glows rose to the surface, visible at night to the shepherds of the area: hence the name 'Buco della Luce' (Hole of Light). In reality, the legend has a grain of truth: on hot summer nights, will-o'-the-wisps could indeed be formed by the decomposing carcasses of livestock dead from illness, which it was customary to throw into the Buso. During World War II, the cavity was sadly used by partisans as a foiba, to dispose of the bodies of fascists and nazis, but also of civilians: over the years, several bodies and bones have been found during explorations. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_de_la_Lum

Built in the last two decades of the 19th century, under the Kingdom of Italy, the Forte di Monte Ricco constituted the heart of the entrenched camp of Pieve di Cadore. It was conceived and built to interdict enemy approaches from the Tre Ponti narrows towards Pieve and Tai along the Piave valley and to act in close synergy with the nearby Batteria Castello, about 200 meters away, as well as with the various artillery positions on the overlying heights, on Monte Tranego, Monte Zucco, Col Vidà. Monte Ricco was probably the site of a prehistoric settlement, then of the castle of Cadore. Abandoned until 2007, it has undergone demanding restoration, consolidation, and enhancement works. Reopened to the public in 2017, it hosts exhibitions or classical music concerts. https://www.tizianovecellio.it/luoghi/il-forte-di-monte-ricco/

Wonderful panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Falzarego Pass.

Tofana Cave

A truly worthwhile detour – first a short way up the gully and then along the ledge (with a cable) to the grotto. Inside the grotto, you can take a walk through the tunnels – bring a headlamp.

Looking back along the path which leads from Refuge Dabona

The name probably derives from "lume" or flame, due to the luminescence that would have been seen on summer nights above the cavity, produced by the gases generated by the putrefaction of animal carcasses thrown into the well. The cavity was formed by karst, or by the dissolution of the rock by water. According to legend, it is inhabited by the Anguane, very ugly fairies, with nails instead of hair, and long fangs instead of teeth. During the day they went to wash clothes at Lake Santa Croce, then wandered around in search of wood, food and children to roast. At night, they lit a small fire, whose light, spotted by shepherds, gives the cavity its name

The grotto is located above the Dibona hut in the direction of the Lipella via ferrata. The entrance to the secured access to the grotto goes off to the right and up a gully. At the end of the gully you will find the first safety devices. There is a circular path in the grotto that is really worth it. Don't forget your headlamp!