Grotta delle Torri di Slivia / Pejca v Lazcu

Grotta delle Torri di Slivia (also known by its Slovenian name Pejca v Lazcu) is a show cave near the hamlet of Slivia, in the municipality of Duino Aurisina / Devin-Nabrežina on the Trieste Karst, a short drive from Trieste.

What makes this cave special?

The cave descends roughly 101 metres and its entrance sits at 113 metres above sea level. It takes its name from the striking stalagmite "towers" (torri in Italian) noticed by the first explorers back in the late 19th century. The cave was first surveyed in 1885 by engineer Costantino Doria of the Trieste Alpine Society, making it one of the earliest documented caves on the Trieste Karst.

What sets it apart nationally: the cave lies beneath land belonging to the Le Torri di Slivia farm, and it is the only show cave in Italy run directly by a working agricultural business rather than a public body or caving club.

How do you get there?

Slivia sits within the municipality of Duino Aurisina, between Trieste and the Slovenian border. Driving is by far the easiest option — the farm has its own parking area at the entrance. From central Trieste, the drive takes around 20–25 minutes.

What will you see inside?

An artificial entrance was cut into the cave in 1964, and by 1967 the internal walkway and iron staircase were completed; the first tourist tickets were sold in 1968. Inside, visitors find abundant stalactites and stalagmites, including the tower-shaped formations that gave the cave its name.

Visits are guided only, in groups capped at 20 people — independent exploration isn't allowed. A full visit, including the tractor ride across the farm to the cave entrance, takes about 75 minutes. Bring a light jacket: the cave keeps a constant, noticeably cooler temperature than the surface, especially welcome in summer.

When should you visit?

The cave can be visited year-round, though like most Karst show caves it typically runs on a seasonal or reduced off-season schedule — it's worth checking current opening hours on the farm's own website before setting off. In summer, the cool underground air offers a pleasant break from the heat above ground on the Karst plateau.

Who is it for?

The site suits families with children and anyone curious about karst geology and the region's underground landscape. Because the cave is run by a working farm, a visit also doubles as a glimpse into local agritourism — an unusual pairing of caving and farm life.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the cave without a guide? No. All visits are guided, in groups of up to 20 people; independent access isn't permitted.

How long does a visit take? A complete visit, including the tractor ride across the farm grounds to the cave entrance, lasts about 75 minutes.

Where does the cave's name come from? From the stalagmite "towers" (torri) that caught the attention of the cave's first explorers in the late 19th century.

What makes this cave unusual compared to other Italian show caves? It's the only tourist cave in Italy managed directly by an agricultural business rather than a public institution or caving club.