Buco del Piombo is one of Lombardy’s most famous caves and serves as a true open-air natural museum. It is located in the municipality of Erba, in the Como Pre-Alps, at an elevation of 695 meters, within the Valle Bova Nature Reserve. The surrounding area stretches between Alpe del Viceré (about 1,000 m) and Valle Bova (400–500 m), through which the stream of the same name flows. 

The cave’s entrance is impressive: it opens onto a vertical wall with an opening 45 meters high and 38 meters wide. The section open to visitors is about 300 meters long, while the entire karst system extends over 6,500 meters. The area was inhabited by humans as early as 60,000 years ago. Buco del Piombo offers research opportunities, guided tours, exhibitions, and workshops.