The cave system features a permanent underground glacier in some of its higher sections.
It holds the title of the deepest cave system in Italy, with a total depth of 1,210 meters.
The tourist route utilizes a man-made tunnel to access the natural chambers, circumventing the dangerous original entrance.
The Apuan Alps are composed of marble, which is why the Corchia cave contains distinctive white, crystalline rock formations.
The cave contains fossilized remains of animals that entered through ancient, now-sealed, openings.
The air inside the cave maintains a consistent 7.6 degrees Celsius, regardless of exterior summer heat.
Antro del Corchia is one of the most extensive karst cave systems in Europe, featuring over 70 kilometers of tunnels inside Mount Corchia. The cave is part of the Corchia Park in the Apuan Alps, situated above the village of Levigliani. Visitors access a two-kilometer tourist path equipped with walkways, steel stairs, and internal lighting. The cave environment remains at a constant temperature of approximately 7.6 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It showcases diverse geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. The cave system has been studied extensively by speleologists since the mid-20th century. The vertical depth of the entire complex exceeds 1,200 meters, making it one of the deepest in Italy. The entrance to the tourist section is reached via a shuttle service departing from the village center.
The 'Sala della Stalattite', a large chamber featuring the most iconic and illuminated limestone formations.
Wear a warm jacket and long trousers, as the cave temperature is significantly lower than the mountain exterior.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear suitable for wet, metal walkways.
Book your shuttle departure well in advance during peak summer months to ensure a spot.
Do not attempt to hike to the cave entrance independently; the site requires a guided tour and designated shuttle transport.
Operating season runs from spring through autumn; closed during winter months due to snowfall and safety conditions.
Do not touch the stalactites, as oils from human skin can disrupt their mineral growth; keep noise levels low to respect the cave's acoustics.
