Places
Cave·Moderate·Scenic·Hidden gem
Grotta dei Piccioni & Orta gorge, Bolognano
Abruzzo
Below Bolognano the Orta has cut a deep gorge into the Majella's flank. A path threads it past clear pools and the Grotta dei Piccioni, a wide cave used from the Neolithic onward, whose ritual pits were dug out by archaeologists in the 1960s. The walls are hung with ferns and dripping springs.
Duration
2–3 hours
Distance
5 km
Elevation
+200 m
Best season
April – October
Parking · Free
Free parking in Bolognano; the gorge path drops from the edge of the village.
Water
Springs in the gorge; treat before drinking.
Highlights
- Neolithic ritual cave
- Fern-hung river gorge of the Orta
- Clear pools below the cliffs
With your dog
Leashed dogs welcome on the gorge path; some ladders and rock steps.
