Grotta dei Dossi, Natural cave in Villanova di Mondovì, Italy.
Grotta dei Dossi is a natural cave in Villanova di Mondovì that extends 580 meters through limestone corridors and chambers. The passages display numerous stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral deposits in different colors throughout their length.
A hunter discovered this cave in 1797 while tracking a fox, making it the first documented cave exploration in Cuneo province. This discovery brought attention to the underground formations in the area.
The chambers here bear names like the Moorish Gallery and Venus Baths, reflecting how explorers and visitors have understood each distinct space. These local names show how people have interpreted and connected with the different geological formations over time.
Visitors should book visits in advance, as the cave typically opens on Sundays for guided tours. Wear footwear with good grip, as the passages inside can be wet and uneven in places.
This cave was pioneering in lighting technology and became the first in Italy equipped with Edison light bulbs. Around 30 lamps were installed to illuminate the underground formations for visitors in a revolutionary way.
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