Wind Cave

It is considered one of the most comprehensive caves in Italy and Europe, as visitors can observe all aspects of deep karst. It is also the only one in Italy to offer the public three different itineraries (one of them is the longest in the country).

The cave gets its name from the strong wind that blows inside due to the temperature difference between the outside and the inside. This phenomenon creates a constant air current that varies with the seasons.

Discovered in 1898 by some local boys, the cave soon attracted a large number of naturalists and cavers, but a U-shaped tunnel filled with water, called a "siphon," prevented exploration for a long time. In 1964, three years after the first successful exploratory expedition, CAI's Gruppo Speleologico Lucchese made a topographical survey, a preliminary geomorphological study and many photographs. Work then began to make the Wind Cave an accessible attraction for the public, with safe and lighted routes. Today, the cave is one of the main tourist attractions in the Apuan Alps, as well as housing an important scientific laboratory for the study of karst.

The first route takes 1 hour and is fairly easy. The second, which includes the first, goes through the Hall of Voices, with very special acoustics, and lasts 2 hours. In contrast, the third itinerary, the longest, lasts 3 hours. It includes a visit to the first two itineraries, then leading to a 90-meter shaft, an underground canyon and the most concreted part of the cave.

The temperature of the cave is +10.7°C year-round, so warm clothing and appropriate footwear are recommended.

Opening times

Open daily (except December 25) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Price:

First itinerary:

• Full: € 10
• Reduced: € 8
• School groups: € 6/person

Second itinerary:

• Full: € 18
• Reduced: € 15
• School groups: € 11/person

Third itinerary:

• Full: € 25
• Reduced: € 20
• School groups: € 15/person

The reduced rate applies to:

• children from 4 to 10 years old
• CAI members
• invalids
• military
• cavers
• groups of at least 20 people, with reservations made at least 5 days in advance
• people in possession of a ticket for another AGTI (Italian Tourist Cave Association) cave