The Caves of the Bandito

When it's one of a kind, everything becomes precious. This is the case of the small Grotte del Bandito: important because they are the only karst system in the Gesso Valley. The remains of Ursus spelaeus, the ancient cave bear, were found here. Here the villagers have dug for a long time in search of gold flakes – and earning the sinister reputation of "bandits". Here, taking advantage of the stable climate of the caves, colonies of Bats winter, whose hibernation must not be disturbed at all, otherwise the bats will die. Species of invertebrates perfectly adapted to the underground environment live here. Due to their naturalistic and archaeological interest, the Grotte del Bandito are today a nature reserve included in the SCI IT1160056 "Marittime Alps": they are subject to protection and access to the cavities is limited.