Cave of Fiumelatte, Karst cave in Fiumelatte, Italy
The Fiumelatte Cave is a karst formation near Lake Como, situated at roughly 160 meters in elevation where an underground stream emerges. The water system connects deep into the Grigna mountain range through passages within the rock.
Leonardo da Vinci examined this cave and recorded his observations about its water systems in his scientific notes during the Renaissance. His investigations provided early insights into how underground water moves through rock formations.
The stream flowing from the cave bears the name Fiumelatte, meaning "milky river," and locals have long observed its selective seasonal behavior. This water source has shaped how people in the area think about the place and mark their year.
The cave entrance is reached by following marked signs from the cemetery at Varenna, with a clear path leading visitors to the opening. The walk is straightforward and accessible to people of most fitness levels.
In 1992, scientists used dye tracing tests to prove the underground connection between the cave and the northern Grigna mountains. This discovery revealed that the water network extends much farther than anyone had previously realized.
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