Top 13 Caves in Avellino
Caves in Avellino, located in Italy's Campania region, offer a diverse range of subterranean experiences. The province features natural formations and historical sites, many of which are carved into rock. These locations combine natural beauty with historical significance. The terrain often includes mountainous areas and plateaus, providing varied access and exploration opportunities.
Best caves in Avellino
- The most popular caves is Sanctuary of the Most Holy Savior of Serino, a religious building carved entirely into rock. This ancient sanctuary served liturgical and residential purposes for a small community of hermits.
- Another must-see spot is Grotta dei Candraloni, a natural cave and sinkhole. Visitors can expect a challenging speleological experience, extending for 840 meters with a depth of 65 meters.
- Visitors also love The “Grotta Profunnata” in the Oasi Valle della Caccia, a cave with various environments. This natural monument is partially accessible and requires suitable equipment and expert guidance.
- Avellino is known for ancient religious sanctuaries, challenging natural formations, and historical rock-carved sites. The region offers a variety of caves to explore, from those with historical significance to those requiring advanced speleological skills.
- The caves in Avellino are appreciated by the komoot community, with 14 upvotes and 66 photos shared across 12 highlights.
Last updated: May 31, 2026
Sanctuary of the Most Holy Savior of Serino
Highlight • Religious Site
The cave seems to have been excavated around the end of 1300 by a Benedictine religious community that resided at the time in the Abbey of Cerreto. Inside are the statues of the Holy Savior and of San Michele Arcangelo.
The Grotta del SS. Salvatore was formerly called the cave of the Angel or of San Michele. It is located, together with other caves, on what is called the path of the Angel. It is flanked by a hermitage that served as a refuge for pilgrims and all visitors who took the arduous path that led to the cave, reachable in about 3 hours of walking.
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The “Grotta Profunnata” in the Oasi Valle della Caccia
Highlight • Cave
This place, already known as a refuge for brigands in the second half of the 19th century, saw its first official exploration only in 2004. The speleologists who ventured there managed to identify real "environments" within it: a small cave joined by a corridor to a larger one, which overlooks the Valle del Trientale. Continuing along the path, stalactites and stagmites dominate, leading to a small lake, characterized by crystal clear water.
Unfortunately, the cave in its entirety is not a place accessible to everyone: in its entirety it can only be visited by speleologists or, in any case, experts equipped with the appropriate equipment.
For ordinary visitors, the excursion is only possible in the initial part, always with the aid of suitable equipment and under the guidance of an expert.
grandecampania.it/oasi-valle-della-caccia
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The rock church of Madonna del Fiume
Highlight • Religious Site
Located inside a karst cave, which can be accessed along a nature trail, this suggestive rock church dates back to the 17th century. According to tradition, its construction would follow the episode in which a chapel, located on the bank of the Meria torrent, was overwhelmed due to the overflowing of the watercourse caused, in turn, by the conspicuous rains which affected the town for several days. The cataclysmic event, however, left intact a depiction of the Virgin Mary painted on the wall, which is why the Church was erected which, still today, is a pilgrimage destination for many faithful and excursionists.
Another belief of pagan origin is also linked to the Church of the Madonna del Fiume in Calabritto: if a woman expecting a child drinks the water that drips from a particular breast-shaped stalactite, she will be assured of plenty of milk. This legend, corroborated by the fact that the Madonna del Fiume is the protector of pregnant women, means that, every year, on the occasion of Monday in Albis, the expectant Calabrian women go to the rock church, as a sign of devotion to the Virgin and auspicious for the health and growth of their children.
Emblem, perhaps unique in Irpinia, of the perfect symbiosis between faith and nature, the rock church of the Madonna del Fiume in Calabritto is a stop not to be missed for those who love to spend moments of profound reflection and contemplation.
infoirpinia.it/santuario-della-madonna-del-fiume-calabritto-percorso-trekking
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Grotta dei Candraloni
Highlight • Cave
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Bocca del Dragone Picnic Area
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tana del cinghiale - Natural rock cavity
Highlight • Cave
Trekking clothes and sturdy shoes!
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Moss Cave
Highlight (Segment) • Cave
Appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
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Cave of Saint Michael the Archangel
Highlight • Cave
On the right you take a small path that leads to the entrance to the cave of San Michele inside which there is an altar, a painting and the statue of San Michele Arcangelo. Outside the cave, on the left side, there is a bell to ring to let the village know that another person has visited the cave.
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Corkscrew Trail Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Grotticelle Caves
Highlight • Cave
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Tips from the Community
Must see, Candraloni sinkhole
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The Grotta Profunnata is one of the most interesting attractions of the Oasi Valle della Caccia. It has different environments, and is only partially accessible to visitors, with the help of suitable equipment and under the guidance of an expert.
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Along the path that leads from the Valle della Caccia WWF Oasis to the "Grotta Profunnata" you come across a natural rock cavity called the "Boar's Den". Trekking clothes and sturdy shoes!
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One of the jewels of the Picentini Mountains is the "Grotta Profunnata", an interesting discovery inside the mountain massif. This place, already known as a refuge for brigands in the second half of the 19th century, saw its first official exploration only in 2004. The speleologists who ventured there managed to identify real "environments" within it: a small cave joined by a corridor to a larger one, which overlooks the Valle del Trientale. Continuing along the path, stalactites and stagmites dominate, leading to a small lake, characterized by crystal clear water. Unfortunately, the cave in its entirety is not a place accessible to everyone: in its entirety it can only be visited by speleologists or, in any case, experts equipped with the appropriate equipment. For ordinary visitors, the excursion is only possible in the initial part, always with the aid of suitable equipment and under the guidance of an expert. https://grandecampania.it/oasi-valle-della-caccia/
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Along the Nature Trail to reach the Acquabianca waterfall, you come across the "grotta del moss", the result of a calcareous concretion that opens onto a rock wall. A thousand rivulets of water fall from the top of the wall, feeding large layers of moss. The drops that descend profusely seem to originate from the roots of the trees above and give life to suggestive chromatic effects. Appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
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On the corkscrew path, present after the wreckage, the cave with a little water inside...
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To reach it, trekking clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of caves can I explore in Avellino?
Avellino offers a diverse range of caves, from ancient religious sanctuaries carved into rock to challenging natural formations. You can find historical sites, natural monuments, and speleological experiences. Many caves are located in mountainous areas and plateaus, providing varied exploration opportunities.
Are there any caves with historical or religious significance in Avellino?
Yes, Avellino is home to several historically and religiously significant caves. The Sanctuary of the Most Holy Savior of Serino, also known as Grotta del SS. Salvatore or Grotta dell'Angelo, is an ancient sanctuary carved into the rock, believed to have been used by a Benedictine community. Another notable site is the Grotta di San Michele in Montoro, an 'Angel's Cave' with historical importance as an homage from the Lombards to Saint Michael the Archangel, featuring frescoes and a marble altar.
Which caves offer a challenging speleological experience?
For those seeking a challenging speleological experience, the Grotta dei Candraloni is a natural monument and sinkhole extending for 840 meters with a depth of 65 meters. It requires appropriate equipment and a good understanding of the area. Similarly, the Grotta Profunnata in the Oasi Valle della Caccia is partially accessible but requires suitable equipment and expert guidance for exploration beyond its initial parts.
Are there any family-friendly cave experiences in Avellino?
While many caves in Avellino offer more adventurous experiences, the Bocca del Dragone Picnic Area includes a small cave where a nativity scene has been created. This area is equipped for picnics and offers a tranquil natural setting, making it suitable for families looking for a gentler cave-related outing.
What should I wear or bring for caving in Avellino?
For more challenging caves like the Grotta dei Candraloni or the Grotta Profunnata, appropriate speleological equipment, sturdy shoes, and trekking clothes are essential. Some paths can be slippery, muddy, or require climbing. For less strenuous visits, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Can I find natural features like waterfalls or unique rock formations in Avellino's caves?
Yes, some caves in Avellino feature interesting natural elements. The Grotta Profunnata is known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and a small lake with crystal clear water. The Moss Cave is also associated with a waterfall, offering a scenic natural experience.
Are there guided tours or permits required for exploring caves in Avellino?
For more complex caves like the Grotta Profunnata, expert guidance is required, and it's only partially accessible to general visitors. The Grotta dei Candraloni also recommends a good knowledge of the area and appropriate equipment, suggesting it's not for solo ventures. It's advisable to inquire locally about specific tour operators or permits for advanced explorations.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves in Avellino?
The region around Avellino's caves offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For example, there are gravel biking routes, MTB trails, and road cycling routes throughout Avellino, including challenging climbs and scenic loops.
Are there hiking trails that lead to or near the caves?
Yes, many caves in Avellino are integrated into hiking paths. For instance, the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Savior of Serino is part of what is known as the 'path of the Angel' and can be reached via a challenging hike. The Tana del cinghiale - Natural rock cavity is also located along a path leading from the Valle della Caccia WWF Oasis to the Grotta Profunnata, requiring trekking clothes and sturdy shoes.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves in Avellino?
While specific seasonal access can vary, the region's mountainous terrain suggests that spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for exploring. Some paths, especially those leading to caves like the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Savior of Serino, might be less recommended during chestnut harvesting season due to ground conditions. Always check local conditions before planning your visit.
Are there any caves that are less known or 'hidden' in Avellino?
Beyond the more prominent sites, Avellino also features smaller, natural cavities like the Tana del cinghiale ('Boar's Den'), a natural rock cavity found along trekking paths. The Grotticelle Caves are also natural caves found along a path, offering a more secluded experience.
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