Caves around Marino, a town in the Lazio region near Rome, include an extensive network of man-made subterranean passages. These structures, carved into peperino rock, historically served as wine storage facilities and wartime shelters. The area offers a glimpse into historical human-made underground structures and natural grottoes.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Highlight • Monument
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The entrance is subject to a fee and has opening hours for the public, the entrance costs €3 and the exact address is this: Via Aurelio Saffi, 96 - 00041 Albano Laziale RM
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The cistern was built by the architects of the II Praetorian Legion to ensure the necessary water supply for the camp and surrounding dwellings. They could store 10,000 m³ of drinking water. However, their importance is not only due to this, but also because they are still perfectly functional today, being fed by Roman-era pipelines that receive water from springs located along the sides of Lake Albano.
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The small iron door framed by the peperino architrave goes almost unnoticed but if it is found open it allows access to the entrance tunnel of this work of hydraulic engineering from the Roman era. The emissary of Lake Albano was presumably excavated at the beginning of the 4th century BC to regulate the level of the lake and, both for the technical difficulties encountered in the excavation and resolved with limited means and for the functionality that remained intact until the 1960s of the last century, it can be considered one of the most important hydraulic testimonies of our past. Some historical sources also speak of the emissary: Titus Livius links its construction to the final results of the war between Rome and Veii.
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Mysterious Caves of Palazzolo, a short distance from Rocca di Papa and Albano, with a balcony view of Lake Castel Gandolfo. Close to a medieval convent, these cavities were used as stone mines in the Roman and medieval periods but some scholars hypothesize that they also functioned as prisons in unspecified periods. The frequenting of the area by brigand gangs in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries is documented by reliable historical sources. In recent times, however, these mirrors have apparently hosted satanic masses and other similar rites.
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The cisterns, the work of Septimius Severus, had the function of providing water for the Second Parthian legion. On some occasions it is possible to visit them, it is necessary to contact the Civic Museum of Albano.
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spectacular single track .... but beware of people walking around
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A unique monument of its kind in this area. To visit. It is not easy to get there by bike, but there are no difficulties on foot
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the Caves can be visited all year round, along a path that runs along the upper part of Lake Albano. The path is traveled by many people on mountain bikes and on foot. Taking the path of the Devil keeping the path to the right, then straight. Unfortunately, beyond the caves the collapse of a wall no longer allows, as years before, to take the route of the lakes, one is forced to go back.
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Around Marino, you can explore a diverse range of subterranean sites. These include man-made passages carved into peperino rock, historically used for wine storage and shelters, as well as natural grottoes. You'll also find ancient tombs and impressive Roman-era hydraulic engineering works.
Yes, you can visit the Funerary Monument "Le Grotticelle", which consists of ancient tombs dating back to the Eneolithic period, around 2,500 BC. Another significant historical site is the Albano Lake Emissary 400 BC, an impressive work of hydraulic engineering from the Roman era.
The historic center of Marino features an extensive network of man-made subterranean passages. Some sections have been developed into an "expository and didactic itinerary" for visitors. Tours are typically available on weekends, and booking in advance is recommended. For more information, you can check resources like visitcastelliromani.it.
While many caves around Marino are man-made, you can find natural elements like the Forest Path with Pond and Cave, which features a natural grotto and a pond. For a more extensive natural cave experience, the Grotta del Bue Marino in Sardinia, though not in Lazio, is renowned for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, freshwater ponds, and unique light effects.
The underground caves of Marino itself, with their historical and didactic itineraries, can be an engaging experience for families interested in history. The Monster Grotto at Villa Aldobrandini offers a unique and intriguing sight within a beautiful villa park, which can also be enjoyable for families.
The Monster Grotto at Villa Aldobrandini is a cave located within the historic Villa Aldobrandini. It features a reproduction of a monster, similar to those found in Bomarzo, offering a unique and artistic subterranean experience.
The area around Marino offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and running. For hiking, explore options like the "View of Lake Albano – Castel Gandolfo Old Town loop" from Marino Laziale. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails such as the "Lake Albano Loop Trail." Runners have routes like the "View of Lake Albano – Beach at Lake Albano loop" from Marino. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Marino, MTB Trails around Marino, and Running Trails around Marino guides.
Yes, the Speco di San Michele is a hermitage located in a cave, holding religious and historical significance. The path leading to it can be steep and rugged.
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of history and nature. The man-made underground passages offer a glimpse into the region's past uses for wine storage and wartime shelters. The historical sites like the Funerary Monument and the Albano Lake Emissary are also highly valued for their archaeological and engineering significance.
For sites like the Speco di San Michele, be aware that the path is steep and rugged. For the Monster Grotto at Villa Aldobrandini, while the villa interior is private, the park is generally accessible. When exploring natural areas like the Forest Path with Pond and Cave, be mindful of local wildlife, such as wild boars.
The underground caves of Marino, with their stable temperatures, can be visited year-round. For outdoor sites and trails leading to caves or grottoes, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploration, avoiding the summer heat and potential winter chill.


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