Spluga della Preta, Natural cave system in Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo, Italy
Spluga della Preta is a cave system in Sant'Anna d'Alfaedo that descends 877 meters below the surface with multiple chambers connected by tight passages through limestone rock. The formation features steep vertical shafts and complex underground passages that create a demanding underground landscape.
The site was first documented in 1898 by Enrico Nicolis from the Italian Alpine Club of Verona. An organized expedition in 1925 marked the beginning of systematic exploration and scientific study of this vertical system.
Multiple international spelunking teams, including groups from Belgium, England, and Poland, regularly conduct research expeditions in this vertical cave system.
Access requires professional climbing and rappelling gear along with significant caving experience. Visitors should understand that the technical demands and physical challenges make this suitable only for trained cave explorers with proper preparation.
The deepest chamber, Sala Nera, lies at 875 meters depth and contains a window passage that connects to the current bottom at 877 meters. This connection reveals the current boundary of known passages and suggests ongoing potential for further discovery.
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