Top 5 Caves in Arezzo
Best caves in Arezzo are situated within a region known for its rich history and varied natural landscape, including parts of the Apennine mountains. While Arezzo itself does not feature large, traditional natural cave systems, the surrounding area offers intriguing subterranean sites. These locations often combine natural grottoes with significant local history and folklore. Visitors can explore unique geological features and historical sites set within picturesque natural parks.
Best caves in Arezzo
- The most popular caves is The Icehouse of…
Last updated: May 31, 2026
The Icehouse of Cattiglio
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Fra' David's Cave
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Buca delle Fate (Fairy Hole Cave)
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Cave of Saint Francis' Bed
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Sasso Spicco
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The legends say that God revealed to …
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A nasty crevice in the rock, wet and cold.
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The name of this place is linked to the local tradition of using caves for food preservation. The rocks and the shade of the forest help to isolate the cavities from the outside, maintaining a constant low temperature. It was also common to fill the caves with snow during the winter to increase their cooling power during the warmer months. Even today it is possible to appreciate the difference in temperature between the outside and the inside, especially during the summer.
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173rd excursion and 2nd time in Chiusi della Verna | double ring to the Sanctuary of La Verna and Monte Penna ══════════════════ 👇 here is the video in 4K 👇 https://youtu.be/U1nO_QpZuQg?si=CGt6YMxEL0ZQf5YR ══════════════════ In the late 1980s, David Badii, a young Franciscan novice, resided in the Sanctuary of La Verna and often retreated to the Monumental Forest to pray. On an evening when he did not return to the convent, the brothers began to worry and feared the worst. Unfortunately, their fears proved to be well founded when the young friar was found dead in the woods. A large boulder, forming a cavity presumably used by the friar for prayer, is now known as Fra' David's Cave. This place can be reached on foot from the Sanctuary and still houses the young friar's sandals today, together with a plaque commemorating his life. adapted from https://tuscanyplanet.com/santuario-della-verna/
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The exact translation of the rock cave is: “The Ice Box” and that’s exactly how it feels when you get closer. In the past, people used such caves to store food.
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The so-called "Sasso Spicco" (Outstanding Rock) is one of the places where St. Francis liked to pray during his visits to La Verna. The legends say that God revealed to Francis that this strange fissure arose at the hour when Jesus Christ died on Golgotha, as the Evangelist reports, and the rocks split. (Matt 27:14).
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There are several chapels along the 78 meter long corridor from the basilica to the Chapel of the Stigmata, which is called Corridoio delle stimmate (“Corridor of the Stigmata”). The corridor was built so that the daily procession to the Chapel of the Stigmata could be carried out in any weather. In the middle of the aisle is the so-called “Bed of St. Francis”, a damp and cold grotto (Letto di S. Francesco). St. Francis rested on a smooth surface covered by an iron grille.
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Magical place just above Badia Prataglia. Easily accessible by parking in the nearby Campo dall'Agio rest area.
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place of prayer of the saint, used in his first visits to La Verna
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore in the Arezzo region?
The Arezzo region offers a mix of natural grottoes, historical caves, and sites with mythological associations. You'll find unique geological features, places of ancient prayer, and folklore-rich spots. These range from natural cooling chambers like The Icehouse of Cattiglio to religious sites like the Cave of Saint Francis' Bed.
Are there any family-friendly cave experiences near Arezzo?
Yes, the Buca delle Fate (Fairy Hole Cave) on Monte Falterona is suitable for families. It's accessible via an easy and relatively short hike, making it a good outing for children aged five and up. The trail is about a one-hour round trip with a 200-meter elevation gain.
What historical or religious sites are associated with caves in Arezzo?
Several sites combine natural grottoes with significant history. Sasso Spicco is a natural monument where St. Francis liked to pray, with legends about its fissure. The Cave of Saint Francis' Bed within the Sanctuary of La Verna is where St. Francis is said to have rested. Additionally, Fra' David's Cave marks a spot where a young friar prayed in the Monumental Forest.
What is the Buca del Diavolo and where is it located?
The Buca del Diavolo (Devil's Hole) is a site shrouded in local legend. While a more famous one exists near Monte Conero, there's also a mention of a Buca del Diavolo in Pontedazzo, potentially within the broader Arezzo context. Speleologists have explored this site, noting its extremely cold underground water (7-8 degrees Celsius) and its nature as a paleo-resurgence, appealing to those interested in more adventurous exploration.
What unique natural features can I find in Arezzo's caves?
The Icehouse of Cattiglio is a notable natural monument, historically used for food preservation due to its constant low temperatures. Even in warmer months, you can feel a significant temperature difference. The Buca delle Fate (Fairy Hole Cave) is a natural cavity extending about 70 meters into the mountain, with a branched tunnel and a 5-meter descent.
Are there hiking trails near the caves in Arezzo?
Yes, the Arezzo region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For example, the Buca delle Fate (Fairy Hole Cave) is reached via an easy hike on Monte Falterona. You can find more hiking routes in the area by exploring the Hiking in Arezzo guide, which includes trails like 'Croce di Pratomagno e Monte Pianellaccio — Ring tour' and 'Tour of Monte Penna'.
What other outdoor activities are available near the caves?
Beyond hiking, the Arezzo region provides options for cycling and running. You can find detailed routes in the Cycling in Arezzo guide, featuring tours like 'Giro di Gaville', and the Running Trails in Arezzo guide, with routes such as the 'Sulphurous Water Trail'.
What is the best time to visit the caves in Arezzo?
The best time to visit depends on the specific cave and your activity. For sites like The Icehouse of Cattiglio, the temperature difference is most noticeable in warmer months. For grottoes accessed via hiking, like the Buca delle Fate, spring and autumn offer pleasant hiking conditions, though the path to Buca delle Fate is accessible even in snowy conditions.
Are there any caves in Arezzo that are wheelchair accessible?
Most natural caves and grottoes in the Arezzo region, especially those requiring hikes or involving uneven terrain, are not wheelchair accessible. Sites like the Cave of Saint Francis' Bed are within larger religious complexes, but the grotto itself is described as a 'nasty crevice' and may not be easily accessible.
What is the significance of Monte Falterona in relation to the caves?
Monte Falterona, located in the Apennines between Florence and Arezzo, is home to the Buca delle Fate (Fairy Hole Cave). It's also historically significant as the source of the Arno River and features the Lago degli Idoli, an ancient Etruscan archaeological site. The area is part of the Casentino Forests National Park, offering beautiful natural surroundings. You can learn more about Monte Falterona on Wikipedia or Visit Tuscany.
Are there any large, traditional show caves in the Arezzo area?
Arezzo itself does not feature large, traditional natural cave systems typically open for extensive tourist exploration. For a more traditional show cave experience with extensive karst formations, you would need to venture further into Tuscany, such as to the Apuan Alps for the Grotta del Vento. Information on the Grotta del Vento can be found on Visit Tuscany.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves in Arezzo?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and local folklore. The constant low temperature inside The Icehouse of Cattiglio is a highlight, especially in summer. The spiritual atmosphere of sites like Sasso Spicco and the enchanting setting of the Buca delle Fate are also highly valued.
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