Balma del Messere, Medieval cave fortress in Cantarana, Italy.
The natural cavern features a 70-centimeter thick wall constructed with local stones and contains two small doors with double stone arches.
During the 10th century, this cave served as a fortified structure named Frassineto, built during the period of Saracen presence in Val Tanaro.
The Institute of Anthropology at the University of Turin conducted excavations in 1979, revealing artifacts from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age.
Visitors can reach the cave at 955 meters altitude by following a gravel path from Cantarana, crossing river SS216, with personal lighting required.
The cave contains high openings in its walls that indicate the previous existence of wooden double floors within the structure.
GPS coordinates: 44.11979,7.89546
Latest update: March 30, 2025 18:53
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