by Alessandra Ressa
All photographs courtesy of Grotte di Villanova
After two years of closure, the Villanova Caves in Friuli Venezia Giulia have finally reopened, once again inviting visitors to discover the magic and mystery of an underground world hidden beneath our feet. The reopening is especially symbolic, marking exactly 100 years since their accidental discovery on May 17, 1925, by Pietro Negro and a group of local residents. What began as a chance find has since become a journey through time and nature that continues to captivate visitors of all ages.
Tourist visits resumed on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and are currently organized on weekends with fixed departure times. Two guided routes are available: the special tour at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., lasting approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which leads to the majestic Sala Regina Margherita—the beating heart of the cave system. The standard tour at 4:30 p.m., lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, offers a shorter yet equally fascinating route ending at the Gran Portone. Both tours are led by experienced guides and are included in the ticket price, which offers a range of discounts. Admission is free for residents of the Municipality of Lusevera, reinforcing the deep bond between the local community and this natural heritage site.
Mauro Pinosa, the mayor of Lusevera and a descendant of one of the cave’s original discoverers, expressed immense pride and satisfaction during the reopening: “As mayor, I feel immense pride in officially reopening the Grotta Nuova di Villanova on the 100th anniversary of its discovery, after two years of inexplicable closure. My heartfelt thanks go to my fellow municipal administrators, and especially to our tourism councillor Serena Baruffini, for their tireless efforts. I also want to thank the leaders of the Villanova Caves Exploration and Labor Group for their understanding and active collaboration, despite having been mistreated for far too long.” He concluded, “The Grotta Nuova di Villanova is not only a natural treasure, but also a symbol of resilience, love for the land, and the collective strength of our community.”
The caves had been closed indefinitely due to the lack of a renewed agreement between the Municipality of Lusevera and the G.E.L.G.V. (Luseverese Hiking and Speleological Group). The previous agreement expired in April 2023, and the failure to sign a new one led to the shutdown of the caves, causing job losses for guides and the cancellation of bookings and events.
Now, as the caves reopen on the centenary of their discovery, the renewed partnership between local authorities and the speleological community marks a new chapter for this beloved site—one that honors both its natural beauty and the enduring spirit of the people who protect it.
