Toirano Caves: A journey into prehistory among humans and dogs
1 minute
Discover the traces of Homo sapiens and their first four-legged companion from 14,000 years ago.
The Toirano Caves and their timeless charm
The Toirano Caves, located on the heights above the village of Toirano in the province of Savona, are one of the most evocative karst cave complexes in Italy. Discovered from 1950 onwards, they preserve unique prehistoric evidence, such as the Bàsura Cave, where footprints of Homo sapiens dating back 12,000–14,000 years have been found, and remains of Ursus spelaeus, the cave bear, in the famous "Bear Cemetery". The Grotta di Santa Lucia Inferiore cave, discovered in 1960, is renowned for its chambers adorned with calcite and aragonite formations, while the Grotta Superiore di Santa Lucia cave preserves historic engravings and a 16th-century rock sanctuary.
The prehistoric family and the dog: the extraordinary discovery
Recent studies have revealed a unique episode in the Bàsura Cave: five Homo sapiens – two adults, a teenager, a pre-teen and a child of about 3 years old – explored the caves together with an adult dog about 14,000 years ago. The fossilised footprints show that this was a playful and curious exploration rather than a hunting or defensive expedition. The dog, the only animal present, moved among the members of the group, while the children played in the clay, leaving traces of crawling. This discovery represents the earliest evidence of a bond of companionship between humans and dogs in prehistory and offers striking insights into daily life during the Upper Palaeolithic.
A journey through history and wonder
Today, the Toirano Caves are accessible to the public through an underground path of about 1,300 metres, which can be visited in around 70 minutes. Visitors can admire spectacular chambers such as the Hall of Mysteries, the Cave of Cybele and the Hall of the Pantheon, spanning centuries of history and geology. The Colombo Cave, on the other hand, remains closed for scientific reasons, ensuring the protection of its precious remains. A journey through stalactites, historical engravings and traces of ancient explorers that allows you to experience the magic of Italian prehistory in a unique and engaging way.
