The caves contain one of the longest chains of human footprints found in a European cave, dated to roughly 12,000 years ago.
Archaeological evidence includes clay-covered walls with distinct finger markings made by humans during the Paleolithic era.
The Grotta della Bàsura ('Witch's Cave') takes its name from ancient local legends regarding supernatural inhabitants.
The site hosts a rare geological formation known as a 'pustular' stalagmite, shaped by dripping water over millennia.
Excavations have uncovered rare black-ink-like carbon drawings used by prehistoric visitors to mark the cave walls.
Toirano Cave is a complex system of karst caves located in the Varatella Valley, renowned for housing the largest concentration of prehistoric cave bear fossils in Europe. The site features the Grotta della Bàsura, which preserves tangible evidence of Upper Paleolithic human presence, including distinct footprints, handprints, and hearths. The tour route spans approximately 1,300 meters, guiding visitors through chambers decorated with diverse stalactites and stalagmites. A unique section of the cave contains a petrified waterfall and the 'Cemetery of the Bears,' where hundreds of Ursus spelaeus remains are found. The site is noted for its stable microclimate, maintaining a constant temperature year-round. It is designated as a protected archaeological and geological site of international importance.
The central chamber featuring the prehistoric bear skeleton displays.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the cavern floors can be damp and uneven.
Bring a light sweater or jacket, as the interior temperature remains cool regardless of the external weather.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid large school tour groups common in the spring.
Attempting to photograph with flash is strictly prohibited and can cause permanent damage to the delicate cave ecosystem.
Open daily throughout the year except for Christmas and New Year's Day; seasonal variation applies to the last entry times.
Do not touch the cave walls or geological formations, as oils from human skin can damage the prehistoric findings and halt stalactite growth.
