Toirano Caves

Prehistoric cave complex with bear bones and Neanderthal footprints

The Grotte di Toirano, about 4 kilometres north of Ceriale, are among the most interesting prehistoric caves in Liguria. The cave system runs deep into the limestone hills and contains stalactites, stalagmites, and — more unusually — the bones of cave bears that sheltered here during the Pleistocene, as well as traces of human occupation stretching back tens of thousands of years.

Guided tours run through two main caves: the Grotta della Basura (Cave of the Witch) and the Grotta di Santa Lucia Inferiore. The first is the more dramatic, with its chamber of bear skulls and ancient handprints preserved in the clay walls. Tours last about an hour and are offered daily except Mondays. The caves maintain a constant temperature of around 16°C, making them a pleasant visit even on the hottest summer days.

things to do sight
A story
The caves at Toirano contain fossilized footprints believed to be those of Neanderthals — among the clearest evidence of pre-modern human presence in northern Italy, pressed into the cave clay perhaps 100,000 years ago.