Great Paradana Ice Cave

The cave extends 4,090 meters in length with a vertical rise of 650 meters, featuring a large entrance portal at the bottom of a deep doline.

During past centuries, workers extracted ice blocks weighing between 10 and 40 kilograms, transporting them at night to markets in Gorizia and Trieste for refrigeration.

Scientists first documented the inversion of vegetation zones caused by cold air in 1905, establishing the cave's importance as a botanical research location.

Visitors need sturdy boots and warm clothing as temperatures remain below zero inside the cave, with wooden trails and stairs facilitating exploration.

The cave contains approximately 8,000 cubic meters of ice at depths reaching 100 meters below the entrance, maintaining permanent ice formations throughout the year.

GPS coordinates: 45.98917,13.84417

Latest update: March 20, 2025 18:51