Verzino: Impressive Cave Dwellings

Verzino is a quaint hilltop town nestled on the slopes of Sila in the province of Crotone. After visiting the Giant Stones of Campana, we decided to hop in the car and head there next.

You might wonder why we chose to stop at this relatively unheard-of village. Well, Verzino has a well-kept secret that I needed to see for myself.

Want to know what it is? I’ll tell you!

Cave Dwellings in Verzino

Verzino is believed to date back to prehistoric times. That’s not hard to believe when you come face-to-face with its extensive collection of grotte rupestri (cave dwellings).

verzino cave dwellings

The historic centre sits above this peculiar rock settlement on the western side of the hill called Sperone.

verzino cave dwellings

The series of man-made caves sit on three levels connected by narrow dirt paths. Little is known about the precise origins of this “rock civilization” however some say that it has some characteristics that resemble Matera. At first glance, some believe that they date back to the early Middle Ages.

verzino cave dwellings

This impressive community of cave dwellings in Verzino has begun to attract the attention of more and more people. This is partly thanks to social media. It was Instagram that brought this intriguing place to my attention. It’s only a matter of time before researchers start to delve deeper to determine exactly where they originated from.

It’s hard to imagine, but the caves were once living quarters as well as shelter for livestock such as cows, pigs, and sheep. As time went on, the people moved out, but the animals remained.

When All Else Fails, Ask!

We weren’t exactly sure where these cave dwellings were. There weren’t any signs to guide us as we drove further into the town centre. We were in full-on discovery mode. As we were navigating the small streets of Verzino, we noticed an old woman tending to her garden.

My friend asked her if she could tell us how to get to the grotte. In a very strict dialect, she gave us directions. Sitting in the passenger seat, I listened as a string of words resembling Italian floated out of her mouth. I smiled and nodded but I was completely clueless. What did she say? My friend, on the other hand, understood enough to get us where we wanted to go. At least I hope so!

verzino cave dwellings

We were finally in the right place. We parked the car on the side of the street just before the cave dwellings. The street was just wide enough that we wouldn’t have to worry about blocking anyone who needed to pass.

And there they were! The grotte rupestri are so interesting.

verzino cave dwellings

Exploring the Grotte Rupestri

The caves were of different shapes and sizes. A few of them were also surprisingly high. I’m tall and I was actually able to stand in some of the caves.

verzino cave dwellings

We had fun wandering in and out of all the “rooms” exploring and imagining what it was like to live there.

Then, we decided to be adventurous and get a better view. We noticed a slightly beaten path heading up the left side of the grotte rupestri. It’s not the easiest climb but it’s manageable.

We made our way to the edge and this was the view – rolling hills, olive groves, and lots of fields. It was definitely worth the climb!

Verzino is worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. It’s perfect to include as part of a day trip because it won’t take up too much time.

I would like to go back to Verzino because I’ve recently discovered that it is also home to the second-longest Karst Grotto in Italy (after Bologna) and the longest in Calabria. A trip like that would need extra planning and more time because you’d need to book a guide and have the proper equipment to enter and explore the underground cavern.

You have to check out this incredible video I found on YouTube!

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LuLu

Originally from Toronto but currently living in Calabria, blogging about my life and love for all things Italian!

Daphne Takahashi
January 6, 2020 at 2:24 pm

What a beautiful place! it actually reminded me of the hobbits houses from Lord of the Rings lol I need to visit Italy, there’s so much to see. Thanks for sharing!
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 8:59 am
  
  Haha, that’s true! I never thought of the hobbit houses. I immediately started humming the Flintstones theme song!
Thuy
January 6, 2020 at 1:29 pm

I had never seen or heard about these caves until reading your post about it. Thanks for expanding my worldview, I need to see these caves one day.
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:00 am
  
  I’m so happy to share these unique places with my readers! I have to go back because there is an underground cavern there as well that I need to explore! 🙂
Image Earth Travel
January 6, 2020 at 9:08 am

Looks interesting! This isn’t far from Cosenza, so I don’t have an excuse not to visit.
Wonder if buses run to there or close by…
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:01 am
  
  We went by car, I don’t think there is a bus that will get you close enough! This is one of those places that you need to go as part of an already planned excursion or on your own by car.
Alexandra
January 5, 2020 at 7:15 pm

Wow! I never heard of these caves either. Thanks to social media more countries should be getting a lot more exposure. I think it’s so neat the way the caves are so close together like row houses in cities. If they weren’t I would have thought they were just naturally that way but the closeness makes it look like man-made them.
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:03 am
  
  They are definitely man-made and since discovering these cave houses, I’ve also seen them in other areas of the region! Social media has definitely helped bring awareness to these lesser-known but super interesting places! 🙂
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
January 5, 2020 at 12:59 pm

That view of the Italian countryside is simply stunning! I could sit there forever and just take in that incredible view. Definitely worth a trip! I love how a trip to the caves can be made into a day trip or detour to visit as well. There is so much to see in Italy and soak it all in. Italy is definitely on my travel bucket list, and you’ve given me a new stop!
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:04 am
  
  There was a bench outside one of the caves and we just sat there and thought, how amazing! I hope you come to Italy, if you need any information, don’t hesitate to contact me! 🙂
Kelly Martin
January 5, 2020 at 5:40 am

Verzino would be a great place to visit. The countryside looks so beautiful and the caves are really interesting.
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:04 am
  
  It was worth the trip, I’m looking forward to going back and learning more about this town!
Britt K
January 5, 2020 at 3:01 am

These caves are incredible. I would love to learn the history behind them as the experts are able to uncover any secrets that the area may hold.
Looking at your pictures, I would say that the slightly challenging hike was totally worth it for that view! So beautiful!
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:06 am
  
  I’m planning to go back (hopefully soon!) to learn more, this place definitely intrigued me!
Sonia Seivwright
January 4, 2020 at 10:22 pm

Italy! One way or the other, I must visit this year. My aunt lives in Italy, I always get jealous of her pics. Landmarks like this goes a long way.
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:06 am
  
  Your aunt lives in Italy, so you MUST come! You’ll fall in love with this country!
Aryanne Padilha
January 4, 2020 at 10:15 pm

I’m in a forever love relationship with Italy. I lived there many times in different places and absolutely love it. I tried going back once a year. I’m not surprised I haven’t heard of these caves since I feel like Italy is a box full of surprises. Love this and will for sure visit one day!
1. LuLu
  January 10, 2020 at 9:07 am
  
  I’ve lived in Calabria for many years now and only scratched the surface. It’s a “small” country but it is bursting with incredible places!
jerry godinho
January 4, 2020 at 3:55 pm

I have heard so much about Calabria but only visited Northern Italy. A good friend of mine was into caves and i learned a new word called spelunking. I have tried a few and it was always full of bats. I love your pics and your visual. It is very matching and you have done an amazing job. I can see why you left TO or 416 with all the traffic and minus 25 weather for the warm weather of Calabria.
Subhashish Roy
January 4, 2020 at 8:53 am

It’s really so exciting seeing these caves. I bet you had an awesome time discovering each of them. Would love to visit such places which unfortunately I haven’t till now.
Scott J DeNicola
January 3, 2020 at 7:41 pm

As an Italian American, I am embarrassed to say I have yet to visit Italy but I want to so badly. Calabria especially as I have relatives from the region. The caves look amazing and view at the top looks like something out of a postcard. Beautiful region for sure.
1. LuLu
  January 4, 2020 at 12:38 pm
  
  Italy is a place you absolutely need to visit, more so because it’s part of your roots. It’s not always easy to travel to Italy given the distance and the fact that you need time (10 days and you only really scratch the surface). When you do come to Calabria, let me know…I’ll give you some tips of places to see!
Lindsay Brown
January 3, 2020 at 4:58 pm

These cave dwellings in Verzino are impressive! Ancient structures like this are so fascinating to me because it makes me wonder what it was like to live in a time when they were used regularly. Your photos are fantastic and really capture the awesomeness of this place. Also, the landscape is stunning! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Despite Pain
January 3, 2020 at 3:37 pm

I wonder why the caves were made. They do look amazing and obviously worth visiting. The countryside is spectacular – it’s so green. Beautiful. I’d love to travel to Italy. One day…
1. LuLu
  January 3, 2020 at 5:05 pm
  
  I wondered the same thing, and oddly enough no one can really give you an answer – only ideas! It just shows that the history in this region goes way back! The views from these caves are incredible, we sat for a good while just admiring the scenery – with the sounds of cowbells, birds, and other animals in the distance. Italy is definitely worth visiting if you ever get the chance!
Ivana Mearns
January 3, 2020 at 2:39 pm

So pretty! It’s great to see such a nice selection of sunny photos on a winter day, thank you.
1. LuLu
  January 3, 2020 at 5:02 pm
  
  I’m so pleased I can bring a bit of light to your day! 🙂
KareninCalabria
January 2, 2020 at 6:43 pm

Very nice piece. I, too, first saw these caves on social media, but I’ve yet to get there. So much to see in Calabria!
1. LuLu
  January 3, 2020 at 5:02 pm
  
  Ciao Karen, it’s unbelievable how much there is to discover here! I really enjoyed visiting this town. I need to go back and check out the grottos, which I had no idea about before I went! 🙂 All the more reason to go back and explore some more!
John and Susan Pazera
January 2, 2020 at 1:39 pm

How fascinating. What a discovery. Can only imagine all the people that lived there.
1. LuLu
  January 3, 2020 at 4:58 pm
  
  I totally agree! I absolutely adore finding interesting places like these – not many people know about it, Calabrians included! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!!