The caves of Toirano are a complex of karst cavities of historical and scientific, as well as tourist, importance, known for the variety of stalactites and stalagmites, for the finding of traces of “Homo Sapiens Sapiens” These caves are a true prehistoric settlement, as well as the largest cemetery of cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) in Europe. The tourist complex of the Toirano caves is made up of the Grotta della Bàsura, discovered in 1950 by a group of Toirano locals and the Caves of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy), Superiore e Inferiore (Superior and Interior); Overlooked by the Grotta di Colombo (Columbus Cave). The cave complex was opened to the public in 1953 and expanded in 1967: the tourist route is nowadays one-way, with entry to the north side of the hill and exit in the southwest side.
