Grotta del Vento, Natural cave system in Garfagnana, Italy

Grotta del Vento is a karst cave at the foot of Monte Pania Secca near Fornovolasco, with about 4,500 metres of passages and a total drop of 120 metres. Its single known entrance lies at 640 metres above sea level. Inside, pale cream stalactites hang in dense clusters, with long columns and flowstone connecting them above dark grey rock.

From the 17th century until the late 19th century, locals of Trimpello knew only the cold summer draft from the small entrance, which they channeled into a hut to keep food cool. In 1898 a four-year-old girl nicknamed Bettina crawled a few metres inside, prompting young men to widen the opening and explore the first 20 metres. In 1929 the Florentine Speleological Group of the CAI mapped the first 60 metres, stopping at what seemed a water-filled siphon.

Locals of Trimpello once used the cold summer airflow from the small entrance, channeled into a hut, to keep food fresh. The name Buca del Vento di Trimpello comes from this wind. In 1898 a four-year-old girl nicknamed Bettina crawled in first, prompting youths to widen the opening and explore the first 20 metres.

Three different guided routes offer varying lengths from one to three hours depending on fitness and interest. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature year-round, so bringing a jacket is a good idea.

Strong air currents flow continuously through the entrance due to natural pressure differences between the cave and outside air. This visible air movement phenomenon gave the cave its distinctive name meaning Wind Cave.