Top 15 Caves around Marano Vicentino

The Buso della Rana is the largest cave in the Veneto region and one of the most extensive in Italy, with a network of caves stretching almost 30 km in total (40 km including the Pissatèla complex above, to which it is connected). Located beneath the Faedo-Casaròn Plateau, it is an intricate karst system that collects and channels the plateau's waters into the Rio Rana, which flows at the entrance. It was formed when rainwater seeps into the permeable limestone surface layer and, encountering the underlying impermeable basalt (volcanic rock), flows laterally, eroding the rock. Over millions of years, this has created a complex labyrinth of horizontal tunnels, chambers, chimneys, siphons, and small lakes traversed by underground streams. Because it drains the plateau's waters, the cave is subject to flash floods, making exploration treacherous. Inside, the temperature remains constant between 10 and 12°C year-round. It is freely accessible through the monumental entrance and by proceeding along the Main Branch for about fifty meters, until reaching the first flooded corridor or Siphon, a horizontal constriction that requires crawling. From there, it is the preserve of speleologists or exciting and adventurous guided tours organized by associations like Biosphera (see link). The internal branches are not marked, and one must know the way. The name of the cave has nothing to do with the amphibian, but is an Italianized term from the Cimbrian word "roan," meaning "rocky wall," referring to the cliff at the entrance. https://www.busodellarana.it https://esplora.biosphaera.it/luoghi/buso-della-rana/

beautiful waterfall of the Rana stream

To admire this curious phenomenon, a detour from the main road is necessary. Once you reach the place, just look out into the well (with a diameter of about 50 cm) from which what is sometimes called "dragon's breath" seems to emerge from. It is nothing more than a karst cavity (characteristic of the Faedo-Casaron plateau) from which fresh air comes out (which varies between 7 and 13 degrees). Especially in the summer period, the typical rustle of the exchange of hot and cold air masses at the mouth of the cave is clearly audible. The cavity, commonly called "Buso del Lucio", was discovered by the Maladense speleologist Lucio Zanini. The valley that you travel along following the Campipiani-Faedo path is called “Valle dei Vischi”. The origin of this name is not known but it probably refers to the sound effects (breathing, hissing, moaning) that the blowing caves produce in particular climatic conditions.

The Bocca Lorenza is nothing more than a cave (which if I'm not mistaken is also used for speleology) be careful not to go too far because you risk slipping

The Bocca Lorenza cave is a natural cavity that enters the bowels of the Summano and descends into a series of rooms located at increasing depths. Since the early years of the twentieth century, excavations have been carried out which have brought to light numerous finds dating back mainly to prehistoric times, which testify to its use as a domestic shelter, tomb and place of worship. The interior of the cave can be freely visited and equipped with cables (perpetually wet due to humidity), but experience and adequate equipment are still required: a headlamp and helmet are essential. For everyone else, it's best to stop at the lobby. The cave is very humid and dark, with a slippery bottom and a constant temperature of around 13 degrees. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocca_Lorenza https://mostre.cab.unipd.it/schio/it/63/i-reperti-di-bocca-lorenza

Sass de la Poja ('Sasso della Buzzard', the bird of prey, in Venetian dialect) is a large boulder that stands alone on the south-eastern side of Summano. During the Great War, the Italian army dug an observatory there to monitor the Vicenza Plain. Further down, another rock strut with another observatory. However, the entire short path is fortified with short trenches and reinforcement walls, a couple of cave shelters and walkways: a suggestive and interesting passage through the woods.

Small rock pillar (with a short ferraratina to get to the top) overlooking a First World War stronghold carved into the same rock

An Italian cave observatory from the First World War, with a howitzers' emplacement next to it (protected from enemy fire): from here, the Arsiero basin was monitored and kept under fire. The entire ridge from Novegno to Summano is dotted with the remains of military buildings, given its strategic position controlling the Astico Valley, a feared access route for the Austro-Hungarian army to the Po Valley. It was built in April 1917 (as inscribed on the entrance), during the consolidation of the Novegno-Priaforà-Summano line of maximum resistance. Note the aesthetic care taken in the entrance, with its rounded arch and engraved keystone: details often found in Italian military structures. Inside, a water collection tank. Above the observatory, climbing the rocky spur, are the ruins of a small military stronghold.