The Caglieron Caves are a gorge carved by the Caglieron stream in the territory of Fregona (Treviso), which can be visited all year round along a circular route of about 1 km crossed by wooden walkways suspended between stratified rock faces, small waterfalls and old stone quarries: it takes about an hour's walk, a €4 ticket (free under 12) and a pair of shoes with a decent sole. From La Corte di Marga, in Miane, they can be reached in about 20-25 minutes by car via Vittorio Veneto.
Despite the name, they are not karst caves in the strict sense: they are a gorge carved into the sandstone by the Caglieron stream, enlarged over the centuries by man to extract the stone used to build a good part of the local villages. The result is a landscape halfway between natural and excavated: layered walls that look like they've been drawn, wooden walkways that follow the course of the ravine, and, at the end of the trail, the Caglieron watermill and the Stonemason's Village, two examples of local industrial archaeology.
By car, the most direct route goes through Vittorio Veneto: you leave the property towards Follina/Vittorio Veneto and continue in the direction of Fregona, following the signs for the Parco Grotte del Caglieron (free parking in Piai, about 700 metres from the entrance; closer paid parking on via Ronzon and via Grotte del Caglieron). In high season, on certain summer Sundays, a free shuttle service from the centre of Fregona also operates: the exact timetable must be confirmed year by year on the Municipality's website, as it changes from previous seasons.
Those staying in Miane for the Prosecco Hills often think only of vineyards and wine tastings: the Caglieron Caves are the easiest way to add a cool morning—literally, inside the gorge the temperature is always lower than outside—to an itinerary otherwise made of sun and rows of vines. It's an outing that works well both for families with children who are already confident walkers and for those simply looking for an hour of different scenery, perhaps to be paired with lunch on the way back towards Follina Abbey, which is halfway. Upon your return, the shared garden and swimming pool at La Corte di Marga remain the right place for everyone to wind down after the adrenaline of walking along the suspended walkways. If you are looking for another easy family walk in the area, also take a look at to the Cansiglio Ring.
Yes, but only if they are already walking independently: the route is not suitable for pushchairs and involves stairs, uneven ground and walkways. For younger children, a baby carrier or backpack is recommended. Admission is free up to the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.
The full-price ticket costs €4, free for under 12s, for people with disabilities and a carer, and for residents of Fregona. For families and small groups booking is not required: booking is only compulsory for groups of more than 20 people.
By car, passing through Vittorio Veneto, about 20-25 minutes: it is still advisable to check the most up-to-date route with a satnav before leaving.
The circular route is about 1 km long and takes an average of an hour on foot, but with photo stops and a leisurely visit to the mill and the stonemason's village, it easily takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Book your stay a The Court of Marga and use Miane as a base for visiting the Caglieron Caves and the rest of the Prosecco Hills.