Moncodeno, Glacial cirque in Esino Lario, Italy
Moncodeno is a glacial cirque with hundreds of caves scattered throughout a natural amphitheater-shaped formation between 1,700 and 2,300 meters in the Bergamasque Alps. The karst landscape contains several major cave systems with passages and chambers of varying sizes.
The site formed through glacial erosion during ice ages and was later shaped by karst processes that created the caves we see today. Human presence in the region extends back to ancient times, as shown by archaeological discoveries.
The caves here hold meaning for locals who have studied and explored them for generations as part of Alpine life. These underground spaces reflect how communities have adapted to and understood their mountain environment.
Exploring the caves requires proper footwear and caution since paths are uneven and sometimes slippery underfoot. The best time to visit is outside winter months when snow and ice do not block access routes.
A natural ice cave called Ghiacciaia del Moncodeno maintains freezing temperatures year-round despite being accessible during summer months. This happens because of its specific location and geological structure that traps cold air and sustains ice formation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
