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Visit Bossea Caves
The caves at Bossea are found at the southern end of Piedmont, about 25 kilometres drive to the south of Vicoforte and Mondovi and along the Corsaglia Valley to the south-east of Frabosa Soprana.
Exploring the Grotte di Bossea
The caves are concealed beneath, and approached through, very scenic countryside - a drive along the approach road is recommended even if you don't plan to visit the caves themselves.
The rather lengthy journey to reach the caves is worth the effort, with the Bossea caves being one of the most impressive cave systems in Italy, with several very impressive stalactite / stalagmite filled caverns to explore on a guided tour. Quite extensive, the largest of the caves (the Sala Garelli) is 150 metres long.
The ever-present water - more than one river passes through Bossea - cascades across the rocks and lies in quiet pools and adds to the pleasure of a visit - indeed there is a waterfall that separates the two parts of the Bossea cave system.
The careful and successful lighting of the various rock features also adds to the enjoyment.
One other highlight of a visit to these caves - you can admire the large! skeleton of a 40,000 year old bear (or perhaps the 40,000 year old skeleton of a bear?) that was discovered in the Bossea caves.
Remarkably there are some forms of life that survive in this hostile environment, and the caves are monitored and part of a longstanding subterranean scientific laboratory.
Note: entry charge payable: 11 euros per adult at the time of our visit, and visits to Bossea are only by guided tour - see Grottes di Bossea for opening times (Italian only!)