Caves around Samone are situated in a region known for its natural beauty, featuring chestnut and coniferous forests. The area is also suitable for fruit cultivation, contributing to its agricultural landscape. While Samone itself is recognized for its lakes, historic churches, and unique natural phenomena like the "Dancing Lands," the surrounding terrain offers various subterranean features. These include natural karst formations and historical caves related to World War I.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
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Col Fortin is a World War I cave post. There are two waterfalls nearby, and several posts and caves nearby.
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Very steep section that leads to the top of Ortigara, it is useful to have a headlamp with you
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The tunnel was initially an Austro-Hungarian machine gun emplacement (2093 m), designed to defend the overlooking 2101 m of Mount Ortigara. It was later captured by the Alpine troops during the first attack on June 10, 1917, becoming the headquarters of the Italian command of Colonel Pietro Biancardi, from whom it takes its current name. A must-see on the trail connecting the summit of Mount Ortigara to the Agnella Pass: fascinating, steep, and facilitated by steps and ropes. The imperial emplacements are accessed by descending into a shaft using metal supports (technical descent, only for experts).
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During the First World War, in view of the Battle of Ortigara in 1917, the area on the eastern slopes of Cima Caldiera was transformed into an Italian logistics base of enormous tactical importance: one of the main storage centers for food, ammunition, tools and materials needed for combat and the sustenance of the troops. It was located on the slope sheltered from enemy fire, but close to the front line, to which it was connected by a web of walkways; it was accessible via a wide and comfortable road from Piazzale Lozze, which is now used as a path; the six tunnels dug one after the other, connected internally by a single corridor, served as warehouses and were hidden from view by external wooden barracks that, leaning against the rock, covered the entrances. Two interesting tables show the inventory of the goods stored: food for the soldiers, daily rations and materials for the Engineers.
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The Ice Hole ('Busa del Giàso' in Venetian dialect) is a deep natural cavity of karst origin, permanently frozen inside: for this reason, during the First World War, the Slovenians of the 17th regiment of the Austro-Hungarian army, stationed here, used it as a warehouse to store food supplies, sheltered from enemy fire. The initial part of the steep staircase dug into the rock to descend has survived, but then it abruptly stops: the cave can only be entered if equipped as a speleologist!
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Spectacular and enormous sinkhole of karst origin that swallows up a good portion of woodland: it is a large collapse sinkhole, bordered on three sides by vertical rock walls. You pass by it and you wouldn't even notice it, if there wasn't a sign indicating it! I found this anecdote online: 'you can see a large natural sinkhole and here was the hiding place of young Austrian draft dodgers during the Risorgimento, when the entire territory was under the dominion of the Austrian Empire'... does the name refer to those (forty) people?
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The area around Samone offers a mix of natural karst formations, such as deep chasms and sinkholes, and historical caves related to World War I. You can find both natural subterranean features and man-made tunnels used for logistics and defense during the war.
Yes, several historical World War I sites are found in the area. These include Quota 2093 / Biancardi Gallery WW1, which was an Austro-Hungarian machine gun emplacement and later an Italian command headquarters. Another is the Cima Caldiera Logistics Base Caves (World War I), which served as a crucial Italian logistics base for supplies. You can also visit Busa del Giàso WW1, a natural cavity used by Austro-Hungarian troops for food storage due to its permanent ice.
You can explore impressive natural karst formations like Buso dei Quaranta, a spectacular and enormous sinkhole bordered by vertical rock walls. Another notable natural feature is the Chasm below Cima XII, a deep karst chasm where snow persists even in summer due to its perpetually shaded bottom.
The difficulty varies. Some historical sites like Quota 2093 / Biancardi Gallery WW1 and the Chasm below Cima XII are considered challenging. Busa del Giàso WW1 requires speleologist equipment for entry. Other sites like Buso dei Quaranta and Cima Caldiera Logistics Base Caves (World War I) are rated intermediate.
For historical caves like Quota 2093 / Biancardi Gallery WW1, it is useful to have a headlamp, as sections can be steep and dark. For more challenging natural cavities like Busa del Giàso WW1, specialized speleological equipment is necessary for entry.
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find detailed routes and guides for Hiking around Samone, including trails like the Monte Lefre Trail and the Trail of Memory. These trails often lead to or pass by some of the cave highlights.
Beyond exploring caves, the area around Samone is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find guides for Running Trails around Samone and Mountain Hikes around Samone, offering diverse options for different fitness levels and interests.
Yes, Samone is recognized for its natural beauty, including chestnut and coniferous forests, lakes, and historic churches. It's also known for unique natural phenomena like the 'Dancing Lands' and is suitable for fruit cultivation, contributing to its agricultural landscape. For more information, you can visit visitvalsugana.it or visittrentino.info.
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural karst formations and historical World War I sites. The spectacular sinkholes, deep chasms, and the evocative environment with strong karst characteristics are often highlighted. The historical significance of the WWI tunnels and logistics bases also draws considerable interest.
While some caves are challenging and may require specialized equipment or a good level of fitness, others might be accessible for families. For instance, the Buso dei Quaranta sinkhole is an intermediate highlight, and the Cima Caldiera Logistics Base Caves (World War I) are also intermediate, potentially offering more accessible historical exploration.
While specific seasonal recommendations for all caves are not available, it's worth noting that the Chasm below Cima XII retains snow even in summer due to its shaded bottom, indicating cooler temperatures underground. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before planning your visit, especially for challenging routes.
Yes, the caves around Samone are primarily characterized by natural karst formations. This includes features like sinkholes, fissures, and chasms, which are typical of the harsh and evocative karst environment found in the region. The erosive power of water over time has shaped these unique subterranean landscapes.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Samone: