Caglieron Caves: explore the natural and historical wonders of these caves in the Province of Treviso.

The Caglieron Caves, located in Breda di Fregona, 11 km away from our accommodations, are a complex of natural and artificial caves that fascinate for their beauty and history. The caves are formed along a deep gorge cut by the Caglieron stream, which flows through layers of limestone conglomerate, sandstone and marl from the Middle Miocene, dating back 16-10 million years. The main attractions include many waterfalls, some of which several metres high, with spectacular water basins at the bottom.

This itinerary is suitable for adults and children, but it is advisable to wear non-slip shoes.

Exploration and history of the Caglieron Caves

In the deepest part of the gorge, it is possible to admire large limestone concretions that decorate the walls, creating a landscape reminiscent of a real cave. Some of the caves were created by man to extract sandstone, known locally as “piera dolza” (soft stone), a material used since the 16th century to build jambs and architraves that can be seen in old houses and other buildings in Vittorio Veneto and the surrounding area.

The quarrying method was peculiar: with the rock layers inclined beyond 45°, stonemasons used large chisels to remove the blocks, leaving inclined columns to support the vault. This resulted in spectacular artificial caves, scattered along the gorge, at the bottom of which the Caglieron stream flows vortically and noisily. To facilitate the visit, a trail has been created from Via Ronzon, near the Visitor Centre, which crosses the stream on a footbridge.

The Caglieron Caves trail

Along the approximately 1 km route, there are many information panels about the geological and human history of the caves. Among the main stops, there is the Breda cave, characterised by typical sloping columns. A little further on, a footbridge leads to the San Lucio cave, used by the Soligo dairy factory to age cave cheese.

A bow-shaped panoramic viewpoint allows you to admire the natural gorge from above and, continuing along the walkways, limestone formations created by the mineral-rich water can be observed, with concreted surfaces and travertine alternated with mosses and plant residues. In the artificial caves, some tunnels can be explored by cavers, offering an interesting micro-environment of significant botanical and zoological interest, thanks to the constant temperature and reduced light.

Points of interest and history of the Caglieron Caves

The trail ends at an old mill, now used as a restaurant, and if you continue along the trail you will reach the Mulinetto, a two-storey historical building open to the public for exhibitions and visits. Going up the trail, you will find two renovated houses, which have become the Stone-cutter Museum, as a tribute to the ancient craft of stone working.

The trail ends on Provincial Road 151 near the Santa Barbara cave, previously used as a mushroom farm and currently being redeveloped for educational purposes. The caves that can be visited are only a part of the many caves scattered throughout the area, up to the Masarè above borgo Ciser, among which some dedicated to the Virgin Mary by locals.

Visiting the Caglieron Caves: a destination for all seasons

The Caglieron Caves are an attraction that can be visited all year round: in the summer for the coolness of the caves and in the winter for the amazing ice stalactites. Every year, thousands of visitors explore this site, also used for environmental education workshops. Since 2021, the trail has been improved to facilitate access to the “Canton” and “Fai” caves.

In 2016, thanks to a signature-gathering campaign, the caves came 3rd place in the “FAI Places I Love” ranking, making them an unmissable destination for those visiting the Veneto region. Explore the Caglieron Caves to discover a fascinating combination of nature, history and adventure!