Caves in Trieste

Karst Wonders and Caves

The Trieste Karst plateau is defined by its dramatic limestone geology, featuring thousands of caves, sinkholes, and vertical shafts known as abysses. This collection highlights significant subterranean sites, from the archaeological Duino Mithraeum, housing an ancient Roman altar, to the Grotta delle Torri di Slivia, known for its massive stalagmite towers. Many sites, such as the Grotta dei Partigiani, hold historical significance from World War II, while the numerous abysses around Basovizza showcase the region's characteristic vertical karst formations.

Karst Wonders and Caves — Map

Daniele Baldassarri / CC-BY-SA

A

Grotta delle Torri di Slivia / Pejca v Lazcu

A deep karst cave featuring massive stalagmite formations known as "towers." It reaches a depth of 101 meters and is accessible via a guided descent of 200 steps.

B

Grotta delle Torri di Slivia / Pejca v Lazcu

Located in Duino-Aurisina, this cave is famous for its large stalagmite groups. The cave system is a significant example of the region's complex underground drainage.

Rasevic / CC BY 3.0

C

Duino Mithraeum

The Duino Mithraeum is a Mithraeum located near Duino, in the province of Trieste, north-eastern Italy.

D

Grotta dell'orso / Gabrovška pečina

A cave near Gabrovizza where remains of the prehistoric Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) and Neolithic artifacts have been discovered by archaeologists.

E

Grotta dell'Acqua / Vodnica

Also known as the Grotta di Boriano, this cave is situated directly on the border between Italy and Slovenia and was historically used for its internal water source.

F

Pozzo di Basovizza

A natural vertical shaft typical of the Basovizza karst area, frequently utilized by local groups for speleological training and vertical rope techniques.

G

Valska Jama - Grotta dei lavandini

A karst cave located near the village of Slivia, characterized by unique limestone erosion patterns and rock formations.

H

Abisso Plutone / Jamendol

A deep vertical abyss reaching approximately 120 meters into the limestone plateau, located within the wooded terrain near Basovizza.

I

Pozzo presso la Dolina dei Druidi

A natural shaft located in the immediate vicinity of the Dolina dei Druidi, a large and prominent karst sinkhole.

J

Abisso di Basovizza

A significant vertical karst formation near Basovizza that drops nearly 100 meters, showcasing the dramatic subterranean topography of the region.

K

Grotta a SE della Dolina dei Druidi

A small cave opening located to the southeast of the Dolina dei Druidi, part of a cluster of karst features in the Basovizza area.

L

Grotta presso l'Abisso di Basovizza

A minor cave entrance situated in close proximity to the larger Basovizza Abyss.

M

Baratro a N di Basovizza

A vertical karst chasm located in the northern sector of the Basovizza woods.

N

Grotta dei Partigiani / Partizanska jama

A historic cave that served as a clandestine refuge and field hospital for Yugoslav partisans during the Second World War.

O

Pozzo di Sisifo

A technical karst shaft used by speleologists to study the vertical drainage systems of the Trieste plateau.

P

Grotta 9° di Capodanno

A karst cave discovered during a winter exploration in the Gropada area, featuring typical limestone galleries.

Q

Grotta di Funfenberg

A cave located near the border area, contributing to the extensive network of subterranean passages characteristic of the Trieste Karst.

R

Grotta del Bufalo

A cave near Aurisina where paleontological excavations have uncovered evidence of prehistoric human activity and animal remains.

S

Grotta delle Perle

Named for its "cave pearls" (pisoliths), which are small spherical calcium carbonate formations created by the constant dripping of mineral-rich water.

Other Lists

Trieste's Unmissable Gems Historic Architectural Gems Trieste's Sacred Sites Viewpoints and Peaks