The Caglieron caves (pronounce kah-lyee-ROHN) are located not far from Vittorio Veneto, near the village of Fregona, in the northeasterly area of the Treviso province. Don’t be deceived by the savage looks. These caves are only partly natural, eroded by the Caglieron creek. The other excavation were made by people around 1500, in order to extract sandstone, called pietra dolza (tender stone) in the local dialect. They used it adorn houses and palaces in the Vittorio Veneto area.
The trail is quite simple. It requires about 30-40 minutes. Since we went off season, Matteo and I decided to park in the closest parking lot, a small one where you have to pay €1 per hour (1 hour was sufficient for us). From the parking lot we headed towards the bridge. You don’t have to cross the bridge, but to follow the arrow leading you down the gravelly path that immediately after curves to the right. In 1 minutes you’ll be at the foot of a big cave, the Breda cave.
In front of it, past the bridge, there’s San Lucio’s cave. This one is rather interesting because it is used to age a particular cheese of the local dairy factory, Agricansiglio.
Proceeding, the path will lead you inside the gorge and then down between the rock walls, above the creek. Here, you will walk on a wood walkway (non that stable) and that’s why I warmly recommend you to wear non-slip shoes. Since I have problems to an ankle, and besides I’m terrified by slopes, I proceeded at a snail’s pace.
Soon after, you’ll reach a clearing where a restaurant is located. The path continues making a tour, but Matteo and I preferred to go back along the same track and pass on the walkway again, because it was quite beautiful. It took us about an hour, there and back, including the time to take some photos. I was told it is enchanting in deep winter when you can see ice stalactites. But it must be way colder and slippery than in november. So, I personally don’t know if I would come.
Caglieron Caves Warnings
- Non-slip shoes required.
- The path is suitable for dogs on the leash.
- Non suitable for strollers or prams.
- It is also non suitable for people with walking problems
- There are slippery parts
- At some point there are a few water drops falling down from the rocks above you, so you better cover your head or camera.
Serravalle di Vittorio Veneto
Considering that the visit took us only one hour, we decided to stop in Serravalle, the ancient core of Vittorio Veneto, now one of its neighbourhoods. It is very quaint and elegant, even if a bit “shabby”.
I loved the short passeggiata along the canal, the big piazza Flaminio with the Renaissance palaces adorned with frescoes and crests, the Duomo and the staircase of Santa Augusta. They lead to the sanctuary of the same name… but you will find stairs only at the beginning, then there’s a gravelly path.
Antica Trattoria Al Molinetto
After that, we were pretty hungry. Wondering around by car we ended up at the Antica Trattoria Al Molinetto in Refrontolo, near the lovely mill I wrote about in a previous post you can find here: Molinetto della Croda. Luckily, we found a table and we had a delicious meal. I loved the casual, rustic decor, the burning fireplace, the hydrangeas still in bloom (in november!!!) and the food.
My orecchiette with pumpkin and chestnuts were amazing. Also Matteo’s bigoli and his chop were yummy. But my guinea fowl was to die for.
Besides, the bill was incredibly cheap. €36 for 2 primi, 2 secondi, 1 contorno, water, ¼ wine, 1 caffè and 2 coperti. In Padua you would spend at least €50… at least.
Caglieron caves map
On the map below you can see: The Caglieron Caves, Serravalle, Trattoria al Molinetto and the Refontolo Mill.
