Museo di Speleologia e Carsismo «Alberto Parolini»
Museum at the entrance to the Grotte di Oliero park on geology, karst and the history of speleology, with aquariums and an amphibian tank housing the olm.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum opened in 1994 at the request of caving circles and the Comune di Valstagna, with the aim of illustrating the goals, methods and scientific results of speleology and the study of underground environments. It is at the entrance to the Grotte di Oliero park, in a restored part of the former paper mill (cartiera).
The route explores the natural processes that shaped the Valbrenta and its cavities, with collections of minerals, finds and geological models. The rooms cover geology, karst morphology, the history of speleology and the development of exploration techniques.
A special section is devoted to local aquatic fauna: aquariums with species from the Oliero river and the amphibian tank, where visitors can see the olm (Proteus anguinus) up close, the only European amphibian that lives exclusively in caves.
Admission to the museum is included in the ticket for the Grotte di Oliero park, together with the Museo delle Cartiere and the Museo Etnografico “Canal di Brenta” in Valstagna.
Highlights
- Collections of minerals, finds and geological models
- History of speleology and exploration techniques
- Aquariums with species from the Oliero river
- Amphibian tank with the olm, an amphibian that lives only in caves
- Located at the entrance to the Grotte di Oliero
Permanent exhibitions
- Museo di Speleologia e Carsismo – Geology, karst morphology, the history of speleology and exploration techniques, with collections of minerals, finds and geological models.
- Acquari e anfibiario – Aquariums with species from the Oliero river and an amphibian tank with the olm, the only European amphibian that lives solely in caves.
- Founded
- 1994
- Visitors per year
- approx. 10,000
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Children aged 5 to 17, people over 65, people with disabilities and one companion, families with at least one parent and children aged 5–17, cave divers (speleosub), law enforcement officers, university students up to age 25, teachers, journalists (with ID) |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 4 · Free admission up to age 4. |
| Seniors | €5Reduced rate for people over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5Reduced rate for people with disabilities and one companion; free admission for wheelchair users. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Reduced rate for university students up to age 25. |
| Families | –Reduced rate for families with at least one parent and children aged 5–17. |
| Caves + park + museums (standard) | €12Includes the guided boat trip to the Grotta Parolini (20–25 minutes). |
| Caves + park + museums (reduced) | €10Same categories as the reduced park ticket. |
| Guided museum tour for groups (max 25 people) | €51On request, for large groups. |
The park and museums ticket (€6, reduced €5) includes the park, the Museo di Speleologia e Carsismo, the Museo delle Cartiere and the Museo Etnografico “Canal di Brenta” in Valstagna (during opening hours); it does not include the boat trip. Free admission for residents of the Comune di Valbrenta (one entry per year), for children up to age 4 and for wheelchair users.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The reception area, services and museums are level and easy to reach. The path to the caves is unpaved and sloping, which makes it difficult for wheelchairs; the cave visit, possible only by boat, is not permitted for people with severe mobility impairments or in wheelchairs. The park is accessible to dogs on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
The museum route is designed for adults and children alike; the park has a nature trail and picnic areas. The path to the caves is not suitable for strollers.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Oliero di Sotto
Bus line 49 from Bassano del Grappa: stops Oliero di Sopra or Oliero di Sotto, a few hundred metres from the entrance. Train: Carpanè-Valstagna station, from which it is about 1.5 km on foot along the Brenta river.
By car
Free parking
Large free car park for cars, motorhomes and buses at the entrance to the caves; motorhome area in Valstagna (2 km), information at +39 0424 558 250.
From Bassano del Grappa take the SS 47 Valsugana road for about 10 km, then turn left at the Campolongo bridge over the Brenta and follow the signs for another 4 km to Oliero, a hamlet of Valstagna.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The Grotte di Oliero park has a bar serving drinks and snacks and a picnic area.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free audio guide online, to be played on your own mobile phone by scanning the QR codes at the points of interest. Guided museum tours take place on request for large groups. Schools and groups of more than 40 people must book (tel. +39 0424 558 250). |
