Best caves around Baldichieri D'Asti are primarily found within the Monferrato region, an area known for its wine production and unique underground structures. This part of the Asti province features historical man-made subterranean rooms called "infernòt," often carved into bedrock beneath houses and cellars. These spaces are recognized for their cultural significance and role in wine storage, offering a glimpse into local heritage. While natural cave systems are less common directly in Baldichieri D'Asti, the wider Piedmont region provides diverse…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Showing Translation
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A little further beyond the small hamlet of Mombarone d’Asti, following the signs, another, older and unexpected version of the inhabited center arises: the cave houses, structures dug into the tuff, inhabited from the Middle Ages to the first decades of the twentieth century. A dive into the past in a movie-like setting 🎥
0
0
Unfortunately, the complete loop cannot be done because you have to go through a private road and the owner is not really available to let you pass, so just after the houses you have to take a road that goes back, shortening the route by quite a bit.
0
0
Unusual houses once inhabited and dug into the rock. They can be reached by mountain bike, gravel and above all with good legs.
0
0
A cavity in the stone houses an altar and just above the statue of the Madonna. A silent, peaceful place, a few meters from the city center and traffic.
0
0
Outside the beautiful and large church dedicated to the Madonna "del Portone", on the left side, there is a delightful pond with fish and turtles overlooked by a stone cavity that houses the statue of the Madonna.
0
0
The crutin understood in their natural form (not dug by man in the tuff for the purpose of preserving food and wine) are caves dug into the tuff when the sea reached the level of the mouth of the current caves.
0
0
Pleasant excursion to reach the Mombarone cave houses.
0
0
On the hills of the Asti area, in the locality of Carie di Mombarone, a small hamlet northwest of Asti, dug into the embankment of the hills formed by sand-earth deposits (tuff) are the cave houses . These are real houses, all equipped with the famous "crotin" (small cellar), dating from the beginning of the 18th century and inhabited until the beginning of the 20th century. The last inhabitants, from which the houses take their name, were “Gisep d'Carie” and “barba mini”. The houses, albeit shabby, but equipped with all the "comforts" of the time, decorated with utensils, are divided into rooms by brick walls. The rooms are large, the mild and dry climate of the area has favored their habitability, and the abundance of water resources in the area has enabled survival. The stable is distinguished from human habitation, built with a sloping floor for the drainage of waste water and a manger dug into the tuff. The objects of daily work are still present and well preserved. A well was made next to the stable, consisting of a round cistern that was used to collect rainwater and was kept during periods of drought. Between the house and the stable is an inn, which usually served to provide refreshment to travelers and beggars who crossed the valley. The cave houses have been partially restored and furnished by the owners Franco Mario and Adriano and by the association "Quattro passi a nord-Ovest". They can be visited freely, according to the instructions on site. Source: https://www-quattropassianordovest-com.translate.goog/1/case_grotta_di_mombarone_4463556.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=it&_x_tr_tl=nl&_x_tr_hl=nl&_x_tr_pto=sc
3
0
Near Baldichieri D'Asti, you'll find a unique blend of historical man-made underground structures and some natural formations. The area is known for its 'infernòt' – ancient, hand-dug cellars often carved into bedrock for wine storage, like the UNESCO-recognized examples in the Monferrato region. You can also visit historical cave houses, such as the Cave Dwellings of Mombarone, which were inhabited until the early 20th century. For natural formations, there are places like I Crutin (Natural Tuff Caves), formed when the sea covered the area.
Yes, for a peaceful and family-friendly spot, consider visiting the Madonna del Portone Pond (Asti). It features a delightful pond with fish and turtles, overlooked by a stone cavity housing a statue of the Madonna. It's a quiet and serene place, suitable for families.
The region is rich in historical underground structures. The 'infernòt' are ancient, man-made cellars, often carved into the bedrock beneath houses, used for storing wine and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, you can explore historical dwellings like the Casegrotta Cave Houses, which were once inhabited and dug directly into the rock, offering a glimpse into past ways of life.
While many local 'caves' are man-made, you can find natural geological formations. The I Crutin (Natural Tuff Caves) are examples of caves naturally formed in the tuff rock from ancient sea levels. For more extensive natural cave systems, the wider Piedmont region, particularly the Province of Cuneo, offers impressive options like the Grotta di Bossea, known for its diverse rock formations and underground lakes.
Infernòt are not natural caves but unique, man-made subterranean rooms, often carved directly into the bedrock beneath houses and cellars in the Monferrato region, where Baldichieri D'Asti is located. They served as ideal environments for storing wine due to their constant temperature and humidity. Many tours in the Monferrato area combine visits to these ancient cellars with wine tasting. The 'infernòt' of Cella Monte are particularly renowned examples.
The area around Baldichieri D'Asti offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling with options for traffic-free bike rides, road cycling routes, and gravel biking. These routes often pass through scenic landscapes and charming villages, providing a great way to explore the region surrounding the cave sites.
Yes, if you're willing to travel further into the Piedmont region, the Province of Cuneo boasts several significant natural caves. The Grotta di Bossea in Frabosa Soprana is considered one of Italy's most beautiful show caves, featuring diverse rock formations, underground lakes, and rich fauna. Another notable site is the Grotte del Bandito in Roaschia, significant for its paleontological finds and biodiversity, though access is often restricted to protect bat populations. You can find more information about Grotte del Bandito on visitcuneese.it.
The Pink Alabaster Caves of Busca, located in the Province of Cuneo, are a system of five gorges that were once quarries. Here, pink alabaster stone was extracted. Visitors can explore these former quarries and observe the distinct red coloration of the surrounding earth, offering a unique geological and historical experience.
The Cave Dwellings of Mombarone have been partially restored and furnished. They can often be visited freely, with instructions provided on-site. These dwellings, dating from the early 18th century, offer a fascinating look into the past, complete with original utensils and stable areas.
The 'infernòt' and historical cave houses maintain a relatively constant temperature year-round, making them suitable for visits in most seasons. For natural caves like Grotta di Bossea, guided tours are available, and the internal temperature is consistently around 9°C, so dressing warmly is advisable regardless of the season. It's always a good idea to check specific opening hours and tour availability, especially for natural caves, as they might have seasonal variations.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Baldichieri D'Asti: