Discovered in 1927 by Bortolo Da Rugna during surveys along the Senaiga stream, the Castello Tesino Cave is one of the most fascinating karst formations in Trentino. Locally known as “Bus de la Lora”, a dialect term meaning “funnel”, the cave owes its name to the characteristic sound produced when floodwaters are swallowed by its natural cavities.
An underground world of shapes and colors
The cave extends for about 700 meters, of which 400 meters are currently accessible to visitors through a guided route. Inside, the environment is a true natural treasure chest: galleries, rock arabesques, stalactites and stalagmites shaped by water over thousands of years create ever‑changing and evocative scenery.
The constant temperature, high humidity and continuous presence of water support a rich underground biodiversity, making the cave an important habitat for specialized flora and fauna.
Traces of the cave bear
In several points along the walls, visitors can observe marks attributed to Ursus spelaeus, the cave bear that lived during the Quaternary period. These traces are extremely rare: the Castello Tesino Cave is the only cavity in Trentino that preserves such well‑defined evidence of this ancient animal.
Visitor information
- Starting and ending point: APT Valsugana – Castello Tesino
- Difficulty: T (Tourist level)
- Duration of the internal visit: about 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Approach: 40‑minute trail, with 100 m elevation gain
- Opening period: May to October
- Minimum age: 6 years
- Mandatory booking: APT Valsugana – Castello Tesino Tel. 0461 593322 / 0461 727730 Recommended
- Clothing: trekking boots (mandatory), waterproof jacket, warm layer
The cave can only be visited with an authorized guide, and access is subject to a fee.
