Hypogea 2023

Roberto Bixio, 2001 About the Earthly Paradise of Baudolino. Icon of the full original painting. (Watercolour and golden foil, 28×28 cm)

401 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa 1   Biologia Sotterranea Piemonte – Gruppo di Ricerca, c/o Bossea Cave, Frabosa Soprana (CN), Italy 2   Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy *  Reference author: [email protected] Hypogeal fauna of the military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (Piedmont, Italy) Enrico Lana¹, Valentina Balestra1,2,*, Michelangelo Chesta¹, Dario Olivero¹ Abstract The military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” is not mentioned in the extensive specific literature about the NW Alps underground works. Only the project in the Military Engineers Corps archives is known, however, the survey recently detected by our research association Biologia Sotterranea Piemonte – Gruppo di Ricerca highlights differences from the original map. On the contrary, pubblications about the hypogeal fauna in this artificial cavity are numerous. Two new species of spiders with remarkable adaptations to the underground environment were discovered by Angelo Morisi (1943-2016): the Linyphiidae Troglohyphantes konradi Brignoli, 1975 and the Nesticidae Typhlonesticus morisii (Brignoli, 1975). Subsequently, other adapted to this particular environment spiders were observed, such as Kryptonesticus eremita (Simon, 1880) and Leptoneta crypticola Simon, 1907. Spiders with less evident adaptations were reported for this cavity, such as Tegenaria silvestris L. Koch, 1872, Pimoa rupicola (Simon, 1884), Meta menardi (Latreille, 1804), Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763). Terrestrial Crustacean adapted to underground environment are present in this fort: Buddelundiella zimmeri Verhoeff, 1930 and Trichoniscus voltai Arcangeli, 1948. Among the Miriapods were observed the Chilopoda Eupolybothrus longicornis (Risso, 1826) and Lithobius microps Meinert, 1868, and the Diplopoda Plectogona vignai draco (Strasser, 1975), a very specialized organism, and the larger and less adapted Callipus foetidissimus (Savi, 1819). The troglophile grasshopper Dolichopoda azami Saulcy, 1893 is very common in the cavity. Of considerable interest are the anophthalmous beetle Duvalius carantii (Sella, 1874), and the very rare Staphylinidae Blepharhymenus mirandus Fauvel, 1899. Moreover, it is possible to observe the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii (Aellen, 1958) and different Chiroptera species. The association Biologia Sotterranea Piemonte - Gruppo di Ricerca deals mainly the study of subterranean species and environments and their conservation. Our last twenty years research in this subterranean military cavity have allowed to observe and monitor the presence of all the mentioned in the bibliography organisms, and to document the presence of other 20 species. Our studies in this and other artificial cavities of Piedmont highlight the presence of different extremely adapted to the hypogeal environment species, reiterating the importance of the subterranean fauna monitoring in the artificial cavities too, and the presence of these organisms due to some biotic and abiotic environmental factors, regardless of the natural or artificial origin of the cavity. Keywords: subterranean biology, artificial cavities, war works. Introduction Subterranean environments include natural and artificial voids suitable for the occurrence of life. In the last decades, different research on subterranean fauna were done, highlighting the presence of these organisms in large distribution areas, however, due to a misconception of the “cave” fauna, artificial cavities are much less studied than caves. Apart from darkness, different environmental parameters and climatic conditions have a direct effect on subterranean ecosystems and induced a number of physiological, metabolic, morphological and behavioral adaptations in hypogeal fauna (Culver e Pipan, 2010; Howarth et al., 2018), making it extremely interesting for researchers (Mammola et al., 2020). Hypogeal animals live in the rock cracks, in which they move on in search of trophic resources, included subterranean environments suitable for human exploration (Juberthie, et al., 1981; Giachino e Vailati, 2010): it is not important the origin (natural or artificial) of the cavity, instead, the rock typology, biotic and abiotic factors, and the geographical position in which cavities develop are fundamental. Even in the case of artificial cavities, evident connections occur through the artificial structures and the fissures of the bedrock, favoring subterranean fauna displacement, especially when internal surfaces are not covered with plaster or concrete. In underground works with covered and/or intact walls, a less subterranean environment adapted fauna was observed (Lana et al., 2021). The research association Biologia Sotterranea Piemonte – Gruppo di Ricerca (BSPGR) deals mainly the study of subterranean species and environments and

402 Hypogeal fauna of the military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (Piedmont, Italy) their conservation, monitoring and detecting caves and artificial cavities. The military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (FOP11) has different publications about its hypogeal fauna. The aim of this study is to monitor over time the presence of all previously mentioned in bibliography organisms, and to document the presence of other species, due to biotic and abiotic environmental factors in the artificial cavity, highlighting the most subterranean life adapted species. Study area In 1931, in Italy officially started the construction of the “Alpine Wall”, a defensive arrangement to secure the protection of the Italian Alpine borders. However, in 1924-1925 a series of antecedent fortifications were realized in the Maritime Alps, Piedmont (Corino, 1997). The Alpine Wall maps and projects were kept in the Military Engineers Corps of Cuneo archives; after its closure, about twenty years ago, the material was transferred to the Military Engineers Corps of Turin archives, today called “Archivio 1° Reparto Infrastrutture di Torino”. For the northernmost valleys of Piedmont, specific publications dealing with the fortifications of the Alpine Wall are present (Corino, 1997; Ruzzi e Comello, 2017), instead, no written work related to the Vermenagna Valley was found. The FOP11 is located at about half a km to Vernante, Piedmont, on the left orographic bank of the Vermenagna stream, at 800 m a.s.l. Most structures are hypogeal, however, some buildings such as the observatory are visible on the surface. The subterranean areas, carved into limestone rock, are mostly incomplete: the floors are not covered, on which abundant debris from the excavation work were accumulated, as well as in the central hall (fig. 1). Some lateral branches are sketchy, reduced to windows or short galleries ending on a rock wall or on a slide of large rocky debris. The schematic survey recently detected by our research association BSPGR (fig. 2) highlights differences from the original map. The observatory, which should have been significantly higher and accessible from the central hall with a stairway, was merged and superimposed on the first left batch (South), the only one completed; this batch was reinforced with a side workstation not foreseen in the original design. Two side corridors had to be detached from the long central hall for the building of two stations, however, only one was done. Finally, another station had to be built next to the entrance but it was not made. Fig. 1 – The military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (photo E. Lana).

403 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa Materials and method Visual encountered surveys, supported by the acquisition of macrophotographs of the observed species were performed from 2000 to 2023. Samples of the taxa were collected manually for the determination of the species and were placed directly in 96% ethanol in sampling tubes. Species were determined by reference experts. Photographs of the specimens were taken using a Canon EOS 550D and 760D reflex cameras equipped with MP-E 65 mm Macro lenses and MT-24EX Macro flash and Canon EOS 70D reflex camera equipped with EF 100 mm Macro lens 1:2.8 USM and integrated flash. The survey was performed using Suunto Tandem/360PC/360R DG Clino/Compass and Leica Disto D510 Laser distance meter. Biological research Angelo Morisi (AM) (1943-2016) and Augusto Vigna Taglianti (1943-2019) carried out the first study on the subterranean fauna of the FOP11 in the 70s, published in some speleological bulletins (Morisi, 1972; Morisi 1973). Other citations of the fortification are reported in different lists (e.g. Strasser, 1975; Brignoli, 1975; Lana, 2001; Arnò e Lana, 2005; Isaia et al., 2011). An updated subterranean species list of the FOP11 was reported in Lana et al., 2021, with full citation of the related bibliographical research. The FOP11 is the locus typicus of two spider species and one diplopod subspecies with notable underground life adaptations. Troglohyphantes konradi Brignoli, 1975 (fig. 3) was discovered in 1972 by AM and dedicated to the arachnologist Konrad Thaler. This spider is one of the most adapted to the hypogeal environFig. 2 – The recent survey of the military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (survey by M. Chesta and E. Lana). Fig. 3 – Troglohyphantes konradi (photo V. Balestra).

404 Hypogeal fauna of the military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (Piedmont, Italy) ment in the Western Alps: it has a 3.5 mm long depigmented body and atrophic eyes reduced to diaphanous scars. It weaves its thick webs in horizontal drape, in wall recesses or between big stones on the ground, and catches dipterans and small insects. New stations of this arachnid were found in different Gesso and Vermenagna Valleys caves (Arnò e Lana, 2005; Isaia et al., 2011; Lana et al., 2021). Typhlonesticus morisii (Brignoli, 1975) (fig. 4) was discovered by AM in 1972 and dedicated to him. This spider weaves sparse webs formed by single threads, creating a three-dimensional network with which it mainly catches especially flying insects. It is one of the most underground life adapted spiders in the Western Alps: it has about 5 mm long totally depigmented body, with atrophied eyes. For over thirty years it was considered an exclusive endemic of the FOP11, however, in the last decade new stations in Ellero and Vermenagna Valleys were found (Lana et al., 2017; Isaia et al., 2017). Plectogona vignai draco (Strasser, 1975) (fig. 5) was discovered by AM in 1972; this diplopod is a distinct subspecies of Plectogona vignai (Strasser, 1970), discovered in Camoscere cave (PI105), and observed in Bandito cave (PI1002), near the FOP11. The Plectogona genus counts different diplopods with marked hypogeal life adaptations, such as depigmentation and reduced visual organs. P. vignai draco has a body size of about 18 mm and feeds on decaying organic matter. Numerous stations of P. vignai and its subspecies are known in the Cuneo area and other still indeterminate specimens were found in different Vermenagna Valley caves (Lana et al., 2021). Other specialised spiders were observed too, such as Kryptonesticus eremita (Simon, 1880) and Leptoneta crypticola Simon, 1907. K. eremita is a spider having reduced vision organs and a 5mm long body with characteristic dark drawings on the exoskeleton. It weaves webs similar to the T. morisii ones, useful to catch dipterans and small arthropods. It has spread in centralsouthern Europe natural or artificial cavities (Arnò e Lana, 2005); in the Western Alps it was reported in hundreds of underground stations (Lana et al., 2021). L. crypticola is a depigmented spider of small size (2-3 mm), with reduced eyes and characteristic iridescent reflections of the exoskeleton. It builds very fine texture webs, usually between the stones on the ground, undermining Collembola and other small arthropods. The distribution area of L. crypticola franciscoloi subspecies Caporiacco, 1950, present in the FOP11, is from the Ligurian to the Cottian Alps (Isaia et al., 2011; Lana et al., 2021). Different spiders with less evident adaptations were observed in this cavity: Tegenaria silvestris L. Koch, 1872, Pimoa rupicola (Simon, 1884), Meta menardi (Latreille, 1804), and Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) (Arnò e Lana, 2005: Lana et al., 2021). These spiders have a body of considerable size (10-15 mm) and little evident adaptations to the underground environment; generally, they can be observed in the cavity entrances, where they weave their ample webs to catch flying or jumping insects even of big size. Terrestrial Crustacean adapted to underground environment are present in the FOP11: Buddelundiella zimmeri Verhoeff, 1930 and Trichoniscus voltai Arcangeli, 1948. T. voltai (fig. 5) was discovered in 1947 in Bossea cave. Today it is reported in other cavities of the Cuneo area, from Tanaro to Vermenagna Valleys (Lana et al., 2021). This animal feeds on rotting plant residues; it is depigmented and anophthalmic, with a body of about 3 mm long. B. zimmeri was discovered in 1929 among the ruins of the Ceva Castle; today, it is reported in dozens of underground cavities, from Tanaro Valley to the Maritime Alps (Lana et al., 2021). It has dimensions similar to T. voltai, but is less adapted to underground life. Among the Myriapoda were observed also Eupolybothrus longicornis (Risso, 1826), Lithobius microps Meinert, 1868 and Callipus foetidissimus (Savi, 1819). E. longicornis is an arthropods’ predator up to 25 mm long, instead, L. microps has similar biology but dimensions < 20 mm. C. foetidissimus is a less speFig. 5 – Plectogona vignai draco and Trichoniscus voltai (photo E. Lana). Fig. 4 – Typhlonesticus morisii (photo E. Lana).

405 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa cialized diplopod widespread in most of Italy; in the Western Alps it is present in the Cottian, Maritime and Ligurian Alps and in Piedmont it was reported in about 50 underground stations (Lana et al., 2021). It secretes a whitish repellent substance of nauseating smell which is at the origin of its name; it is pigmented, has small eyes and can exceed 50 mm of length. The troglophile grasshopper Dolichopoda azami Saulcy, 1893 is very common in the FOP11, recently attributed to the D. azami ligustica subspecies Baccetti & Capra, 1959 (Allegrucci et al., 2014). It is present in the Western Alps and it was observed in about 300 subterranean cavities of Piedmont (Lana et al., 2021). This orthoptera is a predator. It usually spends the winter in underground environments, forming numerous gatherings, instead, in summer it gets out during the night to hunt. It has a body of about 15 mm, little eyes and very long antennae. Of considerable interest are the anophthalmous Trechini beetle Duvalius carantii (Sella, 1874), and the very rare Staphylinidae Blepharhymenus mirandus Fauvel, 1899. D. carantii (fig. 6) is a predatory beetle belonging to the Carabidae family with remarkable adaptations to the underground life: it is depigmented and anophthalmos, and an average body size of about 4.5 mm. It was the first hypogeal insect belonging to the genus Duvalius described in the Western Alps, discovered in the Certosa di Pesio crypt. It is currently the most widespread Duvalius in Southern Piedmont (Lana et al., 2021). B. mirandus (fig. 7) is a beetle described on specimens found in the Maritimes Alps. About ten subterranean stations were found in Piedmont (Lana et al., 2021). Little depigmented, it has medium size eyes, long antennae and legs, and a 5 mm body length. At the entrances, it was possible to observe the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii (Aellen, 1958) (fig. 8), a protected amphibian whose biology is closely linked to hypogeal environment. Fig. 6 – Duvalius carantii (photo V. Balestra). Fig. 7 – Blepharhymenus mirandus (photo V. Balestra). Fig. 8 – Speleomantes strinatii (photo E. Lana).

406 Hypogeal fauna of the military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (Piedmont, Italy) Inside the FOP11, different Chiroptera colonies were observed over the years, belonging to Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774), Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800) and Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber, 1774) species; a significant data, since all bat species are protected in Italy. Faunal list To date, 55 organisms were found in the FOP11, of which over 20 not previously observed. The following list was drawn up on the basis of the latest observations reported in Lana et al., 2021, with new additions. Mollusca, Gastropoda Phenacolimax blanci (Pollonera, 1884) (Stylommatophora, Vitrinidae) Morlina glabra (Rossmässler, 1835) (Stylommatophora, Oxychilidae) Annelida, Clitellata Dendrodrilus sp. Omodeo, 1956 (Haplotaxida, Lumbricidae) Arthropoda, Arachnida Euscorpius sp. Thorell, 1876 (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae) Holoscotolemon oreophilum Martens, 1978 (Opiliones, Cladonychiidae) Leiobunum religiosum Simon, 1879 (Opiliones, Sclerosomatidae) Amilenus aurantiacus (Simon, 1881) (Opiliones, Phalangiidae) Chthonius sp. C.L. Koch, 1843 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) Tegenaria silvestris L. Koch, 1872 (Araneae, Agelenidae) Amaurobius sp. C.L. Koch, 1837 (Araneae, Amaurobiidae) Cicurina cicur (Fabricius, 1793) (Araneae, Hahniidae) Leptoneta crypticola Simon, 1907 franciscoloi Caporiacco, 1950 (Araneae, Leptonetidae) Labulla thoracica (Wider, 1834) (Araneae, Linyphiidae) Troglohyphantes konradi Brignoli, 1975 (Araneae, Linyphiidae) (fig. 3) Kryptonesticus eremita (Simon, 1880) (Araneae, Nesticidae) Typhlonesticus morisii (Brignoli, 1975) (Araneae, Nesticidae) (fig. 4) Pimoa rupicola (Simon, 1884) (Araneae, Pimoidae) Meta menardi (Latreille, 1804) (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) Metellina merianae (Scopoli, 1763) (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) Sottoclasse ACARINA, Trombidiformes, Rhagidiidae indet. Arthropoda, Subphylum Crustacea, Malacostraca Trichoniscus voltai Arcangeli, 1948 (Isopoda, Trichoniscidae) (fig. 5) Buddelundiella zimmeri Verhoeff, 1930 (Isopoda, Buddelundiellidae) Arthropoda, Superclasse Myriapoda, Chilopoda Eupolybothrus longicornis (Risso, 1826) (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae) Lithobius microps Meinert, 1868 (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae) Lithobius sp. Leach, 1814 (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae) Arthropoda, Superclasse Myriapoda, Diplopoda Callipus foetidissimus (Savi, 1819) (Callipodida, Callipodidae) Plectogona vignai draco (Strasser, 1975) (Chordeumatida, Craspedosomatidae) (fig. 5) Polydesmus cf. testaceus C.L. Koch, 1847 (Polydesmida, Polydesmidae) Polydesmus troglobius Latzel, 1889 (Polydesmida, Polydesmidae) Arthropoda, Superclasse Hexapoda, Entognatha Collembola, Onychiuridae indet. Arthropoda, Superclasse Hexapoda, Insecta Machilis sp. Latreille, 1804 (Archaeognatha, Machilidae) Dolichopoda azami ligustica Baccetti & Capra, 1959 (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) Duvalius carantii (Sella, 1874) (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechini) (fig. 6) Sphodropsis ghilianii ghilianii (Schaum, 1858) (Coleoptera, Carabidae) Laemostenus obtusus (Chaudoir, 1861) (Coleoptera, Carabidae) Platynus sp. Bonelli, 1810 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) Coleoptera, Scydmaenidae indet. Dasycerus sulcatus Brongniart, 1800 (Coleoptera, Dasyceridae) Bryaxis tendensis Besuchet, 2002 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae)

407 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa Vulda sp. Jacquelin Du Val, 1853 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) Quedius bicolor Mulsant & Rey, 1876 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) Quedius mesomelinus (Marsham, 1802) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) Blepharhymenus mirandus Fauvel, 1899 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) (fig. 7) Limonia nubeculosa Meigen, 1804 (Diptera, Limoniidae) Culex sp. Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera, Culicidae) Diptera indet. Triphosa tauteli Leraut, 2008 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) Hypena obsitalis (Hübner, 1813) (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata, Amphibia Speleomantes strinatii (Aellen, 1958) (Urodela, Plethodontidae) (fig. 8) Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758 (Anura, Ranidae) Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata, Mammalia Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774) (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae) Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein, 1800) (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae) Barbastella barbastellus (Schreber, 1774) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Rodentia, Gliridae) Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora, Canidae) Conclusions In the last decades, different research on the Western Alps subterranean fauna were done, highlighting the presence of these organisms in natural and artificial cavities. These animals live in the rock cracks, in which they move on in search of trophic resources. In the FOP11 tunnels there are large internal surfaces not covered with plaster or concrete, therefore, there is a direct contact between the fortification structures and the rock cracks, populated by the subterranean fauna. For this reason and thanks to favorable environmental factors it was possible to observe in the FOP11 55 different species. The BSPGR last twenty years research in this subterranean fortification have allowed to observe and monitor all previously mentioned in bibliography organisms and to document the presence of other 20 species. Our observations in this fortification and in different artificial cavities of Piedmont show the presence of different extremely adapted to the subterranean environment species, regardless of the natural or artificial origin of the cavity; the presence of these animals is linked to biotic and abiotic environmental factors in the cavity, underlining the importance of the hypogeal fauna monitoring in the artificial cavities too. Bibliography Allegrucci G., Rampini M., Di Russo C., Lana E., Cocchi S., Sbordoni V., 2014, Phylogeography and systematics of the westernmost Italian Dolichopoda species (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae, ZooKeys, pp. 1-23. Arnò C., Lana E., 2005, Ragni cavernicoli del Piemonte e della Valle d’Aosta. Associazione Gruppi Speleologici Piemontesi, Regione Piemonte, Ed. “La Grafica Nuova”, Torino, 255 pages. Brignoli P. M., 1975, Ragni d’Italia XXV. Su alcuni ragni cavernicoli dell’Italia settentrionale (Araneae), Notiziario del Circolo Speleologico Romano, pp. 7-39. Corino P. G., 1997, Valle Stura fortificata. Alla riscoperta delle fortificazioni della Valle Stura di Demonte, dal forte di Vinadio alle opere in caverna del Vallo Alpino, Editrice Melli, Borgone di Susa, 223 pages. Culver D.C., Pipan T., 2010, Climate, abiotic factors, and the evolution of subterranean life, Acta carsologica, 39/3, pp. 577–586. Giachino P. M., Vailati D., 2010, The subterranean environment. Hypogean life, concepts and collecting techniques, WBA Handbooks, 3, 130 pages. Howarth F. G., Moldovan O. T., 2018, The ecological classification of cave animals and their adaptations. Cave ecology Ecological Studies (Analysis and Synthesis), Springer, Cham, pp. 41-67. Isaia M., Mammola S., Mazzuca P., Arnedo M. A., Pantini P., 2017, Advances in the systematics of the spider genus Troglohyphantes (Araneae, Linyphiidae). Systematics and Biodiversity,15/4, pp. 307-326. Isaia M., Paschetta M., Lana E., Pantini P., Schönhofer A. L., Christian E., Badino G., 2011, Aracnidi sotterranei delle Alpi Occidentali italiane. (Arachnida: araneae, opiliones, palpigradi, pseudoscorpiones). Subterranean Arachnids of the Western Italian Alps (Arachnida: Araneae, Opiliones, Palpigradi, Pseudoscorpiones), Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Torino, Monografie, XLVII, XII, 325 pages. Juberthie C., Delay B., Bouillon M., 1981, Sur l’existence du milieu souterrain superficiel en zone calcaire, in: Les entrees d’energie dans le karst et communications libres, Mémoires de Biospéologie, 141 pages. Lana E., 2001, Biospeleologia del Piemonte. Atlante fotografico sistematico, Associazione Gruppi Speleologici Piemontesi, Regione Piemonte, Ed. “La Grafica Nuova”, Torino, V+264 pages. Lana E., Casale A., Giachino P.M., Chesta M., 2017, Attività biospeleologica 2015. “Grotte”, Bollettino del Gruppo Speleologico Piemontese, GSP CAI-UGET, n. 165 (anno 59, gen.-giu. 2016), pp. 41-56.

408 Hypogeal fauna of the military subterranean fortification Forte di Vernante Opera 11 “Tetto Ruinas” (Piedmont, Italy) Lana E., Giachino P.M., Casale A., 2021, Fauna Hypogaea Pedemontana. Grotte e ambienti sotterranei del Piemonte e della Valle d’Aosta, WBA Monographs, 6, WBA Project Ed., Verona, 1044 pages. Mammola S., Amorim I.R., Bichuette M.E., Borges P.A., Cheeptham N., Cooper S.J., Culver D.C., Deharveng L., Eme D., Ferreira R.L., 2020, Fundamental research questions in subterranean biology, Biological Reviews, 95, pp. 1855–1872. Morisi A., 1972, Note faunistiche per l’anno 1971-1972. “Mondo Ipogeo”, Bollettino del Gruppo Speleologico Alpi Marittime C.A.I., Cuneo, 8, pp. 52-56. Morisi A., 1973a, Attività biospeleologica 1973. “Mondo Ipogeo”, Bollettino del Gruppo Speleologico Alpi Marittime C.A.I., Cuneo, 9, pp. 60-62. Morisi A., 1973b, Sui biotopi sotterranei artificiali e la “fauna parietale”. “Mondo Ipogeo”, Bollettino del Gruppo Speleologico Alpi Marittime, Cuneo, 9, pp. 63-65. Ruzzi M., Comello C., 2017, Il Vallo alpino. Opere fortificate fra Alpi Liguri e Cozie, Istituto storico della Resistenza e della Società contemporanea in Provincia di Cuneo, 115 pages. Strasser K., 1975, Zur Systematik und Verbreitung der Gattungen Crossosoma, Antroherposoma und Antroverhoeffia (Diplopoda - Ascospermophora), Bollettino del Museo civico di Storia naturale di Verona, 2, pp. 167-192.

409 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa 1   Centro Studi Sotterranei, Lungotorrente Secca 20, 16162 Genoa, Italy 2   Chirosphera - Associazione per lo studio e la tutela dei chirotteri e l’ambiente, Via Tetti Barbiere 11, 10026 Santena, Turin, Italy 3   Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science (DISTAV), University of Genova, C.so Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy) *  Reference author: [email protected] The caves of Finalese karstic area (Finale Ligure, Liguria, North-Western Italy): a project for the coexistence between the touristic activity and the Chiroptera conservation Anastasia Cella1,*, Roberto Toffoli2 , Federico Mantovani3 Abstract The relationship between humans and the environment is one of the most widely discussed and delicate topics facing contemporary society. The intricate balances inherent in certain environments are frequently challenged by human activities. This issue is particularly pronounced in ecologically sensitive locations with frequent human interaction. Hypogean environments maintain consistent environmental conditions that are only compromised by external influences. When these factors become significant, they can disrupt the ecosystem, leading to harm to the local flora and fauna. Bats, habitual inhabitants of subterranean spaces, serve as bioindicators for quantifying environmental alterations. Finale Ligure, situated in northwestern Italy within Liguria, is a prominent tourist destination owing to its favorable climatic conditions, picturesque landscapes, and environmental features. The extensive network of hiking trails facilitates various activities, including trekking, walking, mountain biking, caving, and climbing, providing easy access to hypogean sites. An ordinance issued by the municipality of Finale Ligure in April 2022 restricted access to the hiking network, resulting in a decline in tourist visits. This ongoing study, initiated in 2020 and slated for completion in 2025, seeks to comprehensively characterize the bat populations inhabiting two significant hypogean sites within the Finale karstic region: Arma du Principà and Arma della Pollera. The data collected could establish a correlation between population trends and the extent of anthropogenic impact arising from tourist activities. In conclusion this study aims not only to contribute to our scientific knowledge, but also underlines the imperative of reconciling ecological conservation with human aspirations. Keywords: bat conservation, Finalese karstic area, caves, touristic exploitation. Introduction The increasing importance of tourism put pressure on many destinations and their sustainable development. The greater availability of free time and the growing interest in the environment have also pushed many tourists towards greater contact with nature. The town of Finale Ligure, situated on the western coast of Liguria, is one of the main tourist destinations in Liguria region, not only for its seaside, but also for its natural, cultural, geological and geomorphological heritage of the town itself and its hinterland (Brandolini et al., 2011). The Finalese karstic area is composed mainly of bioclastic limestones and secondarily of underlying dolomitic limestones. The lithological features, geomorphological evolution, and morphostructural relationships between the outcropping lithotypes, caused the formation of karstic surface and underground phenomena (Brandolini et al., 2011). This led to a growing interest in terms of tourism and sport and the consequent creation of hiking and mountain bike trails, in addition to the well-established caving and climbing. These latter two activities have a significant impact on vulnerable environments such as the hypogeal ones (Lobo et al., 2013; Biagioli et al., 2023). The importance of ligurian subterranean fauna in terms of biodiversity and conservation is well documented in literature (Karaman 2013; Cimmaruta et al, 2015; Mammola et al., 2019; Toffoli & Calvini, 2019; Gardini & Taiti, 2023). Bats, in particular are highly endangered by anthropic activities and, in Italy are protected by national laws and international directives and conventions (Law 157 92, Berna Convention, Bonn Convention, Bat Agreement, Directive 92/43/ CEE). On the basis of the aforementioned regulations, it is therefore forbidden to shoot, capture, hold, trade, disturb specimens in particular during both the reproductive and hibernation and in all types of refuge sites. It is therefore essential to be able to evaluate the impact of tourist activity on such sensitive sites in

410 The caves of Finalese karstic area: a project for the coexistence between the touristic activity and the Chiroptera conservation Fig. 1 – Map of the studied area; LI26: Arma du Principà Superiore; LI24: Arma della Pollera (graphics A. Cella and F. Mantovani; made with QGis Software® and Regional Map 1:25000 ed. 2013 as basemaps).

411 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa order to promote conservation actions that allows sustainable and aware tourism in parallel with a correct management of the bat population. Study overview This work shows the preliminary results of an ongoing study on the monitoring and characterization of bats in two caves of the Carpanea-Rocca dei Perti karstic area, Finale Ligure: Arma della Pollera, LI24, and Arma du Principà Superiore, LI26, (fig.1) in order to evaluate the possible impact of tourist exploitation through the bat population trend. The survey, started on January 2020. Standardized counts were made through ultrasonic detectors, by photographic methods and direct counts inside the roost. For each roost, eight inspection (three between February and March and four between May and November) was performed using the same counting methodology. The survey will continue until 2025. A checklist of the various species of Chiroptera through the presence-absence technique was produced as well as their circadian and seasonal activity was studied. A quantitative analysis of the populations is currently underway. An ordinance issued by the municipality of Finale Ligure in April 2022 banned access to vehicles to the road that reaches the area from which the hiking trails and climbing routes start. This has discouraged tourist activity causing a drastic reduction in anthropic flows. The aims of this five-year-long study is to evaluate the impact of human activity correlating a possible variation in the population trend between a scenario with high anthropic disturbance (pre-ordinance) and one with low anthropic disturbance (post-ordinance). Arma du Principà Superiore (LI26) The cavity opens (fig.2) with a large ogival mouth closed by a stone wall and has an almost horizontal trend. The initial part is quite large (10x18 m) extending into the interior of the mountain in the direction of 30°N with a gallery still metric in size and then opening after about twenty meters onto a larger chamber without further continuations. Among the various species (Table 1), the most numerous is Myotis blythii (fig.3) with a maternal colony of about 370 individuals (at the peak of the reproductive season). Arma della Pollera (LI24) The entrance, 15 meters high and about 30 meters wide (fig.4), leads into the vast Sala Perrando, almost Tab. 1 – Presence-absence data (graphics A. Cella). Fig. 2 – Entrance of Arma du Principà Superiore (source: www. catastogrotte.net). Fig. 3 – Maternal colony of about 370 individuals of Myotis blythii (photo A. Cella).

412 The caves of Finalese karstic area: a project for the coexistence between the touristic activity and the Chiroptera conservation flat, which on the right sinks into a steep and muddy pit of about 50 meters (Scivolo), up to the Salone Issel. From here the cave develops for 2400 meters through tunnels, narrow passages and chambers. The data of presence-absence are reported in Table 1. The site appears to be a hibernation roost for Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (fig.5) with about 70 individuals. Future development • Site monitoring until 2025. • Quantitative data analysis of bat population. • Identification of a population trend. • Correlation with anthropic activity. • Planning of a possible conservation action. Bibliography Biagioli F., Coleine C., Piano E., Nicolosi G., Poli A., Prigione V., Zanellati A., Varese C., Isaia M., Selbmann L, 2023, Microbial Diversity and Proxy Species for Human Impact in Italian Karst Caves. Sci. Rep. 2023, 13 (1), 689. Brandolini P., Faccini F., Robbiano A., Bulgarelli F., 2011, Geomorphology and Cultural Heritage of the Ponci Valley (Finalese Karstic Area, Ligurian Alps). Geogr. Fis. E Din. Quat. 2011, No. 34, 65–74. Cimmaruta R., Lucente D., Nascetti G., 2015, Persistence, Isolation and Diversification of a Naturally Fragmented Species in Local Refugia: The Case of Hydromantes Strinatii, 2015, PLOS ONE 2015, 10 (6), e0131298. Gardini P., Taiti, S., 2023, New Species of Terrestrial Isopods (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) from Liguria and Surrounding Regions, Northern Italy. Diversity 2023, 15 (1), 68. Karaman, G, 2013, New Data On Genus Niphargus schiödte, 1849 (Fam. Niphargidae) From Italy and Macedonia (Contribution To The Knowledge Of The Amphipoda 272). Agric. For. 2013, 59, 29–54. Lobo H., Trajano E., Marinho M., Bichuette M. E., Scaleante J., Scaleante O., Rocha B., Laterza F., 2013, Projection of Tourist Scenarios onto Fragility Maps: Framework for Determination of Provisional Tourist Carrying Capacity in a Brazilian Show Cave. Tour. Manag. 2013, 35, 234–243. Mammola S., Milano F., Isaia M., 2019, Taxonomy, Ecology and Conservation of the Cave-Dwelling Spider Histopona Palaeolithica, with the Description of H. Petrovi Sp. Nov. (Araneae: Agelenidae). J. Arachnol. 2019, 47 (3), 317–325. Toffoli R., 2017, Elevation Record for Myotis Daubentonii (Kühl, 1817) in the Italian Western Alps (Mammalia Chiroptera Vespertilionidae). Biodivers. J. 2017, 8, 881–884. Toffoli R., Calvin, M., 2019, Long Term Trend of an Endangered Bat Species in North-Western Italy. Folia Zool. 2019, 68 (2), 95. Fig. 4 – Mouth of Arma della Pollera (photo A. Cella). Fig. 5 – Rhinolophus ferrumequinum in hibernation (photo A. Cella).

Authors index

Roberto Bixio, 2004 Anatolia Icon of the full original painting. (Mixed technique on nine separate canvases: oil, acrylic, alkyd, gold foil, 180×150 cm)

415 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa Authors index Abbate Mara, 119 Akçayöz Vedat, 383 Arda Göknil, 183 Assi Alberto, 303 Ausonio Elena, 29 Badasyan Ani, 161 Baglietto Simone, 303 Bakhtadze Nodar, 227 Baldacci Alessandro, 309 Balestra Valentina, 401 Balza Maria Elena, 91 Barberis Davide, 365 Basciu Andrea, 285 Bickson Danny, 127 Bixio Andrea, 171, 349 Bixio Roberto, 37, 153, 171, 349 Briatico Alex, 285 Caffoni Flavio, 285 Canavas Constantin, 177 Capardoni Marco, 91 Capasso Gennaro, 57, 65 Carpiceci Marco, 251, 325 Cavdar Burcu, 189 Cella Anastasia, 409 Cella Giandomenico, 365 Centonze Sabrina, 213 Cerri Riccardo, 283 Chesta Michelangelo, 365, 401 Colonnese Fabio, 251, 325 Corbelli Vera, 57, 65 Crescenzi Carmela, 309 Damiano Emilia, 233 Davolio M. Daniele, 99 Davtyan Armen, 205 Davtyan Smbat, 205 De Felice Giuliano, 197 De Nigris Bruno, 107 De Pascale Andrea, 171, 349 De Simone Daniele, 107, 111 Dell’Aquila Franco, 335 Dore Pier Paolo, 243 Eğilmez Ali Hakan, 189 Erkoyan Gayane, 161 Fabozzi Francesco, 233 Fabozzi Maria Assunta, 57, 65, 233 Faccini Francesco, 37, 47 Ferrando Andrea, 47 Ferrando Francesca, 13 Ferrari Graziano, 107, 111, 319 Foschino Francesco, 335 Galeazzi Carla, 9, 343 Gallina Michele, 365 Gasparyan Boris, 205 Germani Carlo, 343 Grammatico Roberto, 21 Grek Igor, 271, 373 Guarino Paolo Maria, 233 Guidone Ivana, 233 Gürses Kadir, 189 Güzel İrem, 189 Horoz Eylül, 189 Icardi Giancarlo, 13 İlbaş Tuğçe Nur, 189 İren Barkın, 189 Kapucuoğlu İrem, 189 Kaya Özlem, 189 Kövecsi Szabolcs Attila, 261 Lana Enrico, 365, 401 Laureti Lamberto, 391 Leone Danilo, 197 Libera Roberto, 325 Liso Isabella Serena, 57, 65 Lollino Piernicola, 65, 75 Madonia Paolo, 343 Mandarino Andrea, 37 Mantovani Federico, 409 Marchesini Marco, 303 Marovic Flavio, 29 Martellone Alberta, 107 Martinelli Andrea, 285 Martini Mariano, 13 Mazzeo Roberto, 21 Mazzoli Mario, 197 Miglierina Luca, 285 Mileto Elena, 285 Moldavska Nataliya, 271, 373 Molitierno Erika, 233 Montanari Giacomo, 47 Mora Clelia, 91 Mordeglia Simona, 303 Moroni Antonio, 285

416 Authors index Nardin Luca, 285 Oliva Giulio, 285 Oliva Renato, 285 Olivares Lucio, 233 Olivero Dario, 401 Olivieri Cristina, 29 Osanna Massimo, 107 Palazzolo Luca, 285 Paolicelli Raffaele, 335 Parise Mario, 7, 57, 65, 75, 343 Paschetto Arianna, 365 Pechenehova Yevheniia, 271 Pellegrini Marcello, 99 Pellegrino Arcangelo, 233 Pelovina Juliia, 271 Peresso Andrea, 119 Piana Pietro, 37, 47 Piatti Roberto, 285 Piazza Daniele, 285 Piras Giuseppe, 243 Radi Nico, 13 Raviv Dvir, 127 Repetto Danilo, 13 Rimassa Andrea, 29 Roccatagliata Andrea, 303 Rota Edoardo, 285 Rottura Federico, 29 Ruberti Daniela, 57, 65, 233 Saj Stefano, 9, 13, 37, 47, 417, 421 Sasson Avraham (Avi), 277 Schatzmann Andreas, 119 Schiavo Antonio, 251 Shahinyan Ashkhen, 161 Shahinyan Samvel M., 161, 205 Shivtiel Yinon, 137 Shyrokov Mike, 271, 373 Sordi Marco, 99 Sordi Roberto, 99 Szekely Eusebiu, 261 Taccani Gabrio, 417 Tămaş Tudor, 261 Taronna Massimo, 365 Terrone Martino, 13, 29, 37, 47 Testa Paolo, 293 Toffoli Roberto, 409 Traverso Mauro, 37 Traverso Stefania, 29, 37, 47 Travi Antonio, 303 Trigona Simon Luca, 13 Turchiano Maria, 197 Ulivi Marco, 285 Valea Codruţa, 261 Varderesyan Nerses, 161 Venegoni Marco, 285 Vennari Carmela, 57, 65 Vertamy Emilio, 29 Vigliotti Marco, 57, 65, 233 Vinai Daniele, 303 Volpe Giuliano, 197 Volpin Luca, 29 Yamaç Ali, 85, 147, 153, 171, 349, 359 Zago Massimiliano, 99 Zanone Rachele, 251 Zanoletti Enrico, 285 Zissu Boaz, 127

417 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa GUIDED TOURS “HYPOGEA2023” Stefano Saj1,2, Gabrio Taccani1,2 “A CAVITY SUSPENDED IN THE SKY” INSIDE GENOA MONUMENTAL BRIDGE The Ponte Monumentale (Monumental Bridge) is a magnificent marble structure, adorned with three majestic arches. This engineering marvel was conceived and built by the visionary Cesare Gamba towards the end of the 19th century, a period marked by significant urban transformations in the city of Genoa. During the “Belle époque” era, the prevailing aesthetic called for a more organized and functional city, in stark contrast to the medieval Genoa, characterized by narrow alleyways and defensive walls from various historical period. The constrains posed by these medieval structures required a fresh urban development approach. As a result, the expansive Via XX Settembre was conceived, along with the construction of a bridge to replace the medieval Porta dell’Arco (Arch Gate). This archaic entrance was later resurrected in classical splendor in 1536 under the skilled hand of the Florentine architect Antonio da Sangallo. Cesare Gamba, renowned for his work on railways, conceived a pioneering single-span bridge. This impressive structure boasted dimensions of 34.40 meters in length, 24.00 meters in width, and a remarkable maximum height of 21.70 meters for the passage below. To avoid overburdening this audacious span, an innovative solution was embraced—a substantial hollow overpass within the bridge. The road deck found support in a series of parallel masonry walls built on the bridge arch’s extrados. In a bid to further reduce the weight of these wall structures, elliptical arches of considerable size were incorporated. These arches serve as passages for stairways, which we will traverse together during our guided tour. Today, the bridge’s original structure remains hidden from external view, veiled beneath the marble facade added in the early 1900s—a “second skin” designed to enhance its aesthetic appeal and to match the architectural trends of the era. The architectural project was entrusted to Riccardo Haupt, who drew inspiration from Roman triumphal arches. The bridge’s central vehicular passage now spans 20.00 meters in width and reaches a height of 19.00 meters, con1 Centro Studi Sotterranei, Genoa, Italy 2   National Commission for Artificial Cavities - Italian Speleological Society 3   Environmental Hiking Guide, Liguria, Italy Fig. 1 – The scenic eclectic style architecture of the Monumental Bridge (photo G. Barranco).

418 Guided tours “HYPOGEA2023” necting with two lateral pedestrian porticos via three arches on each side. However, within the bridge lies an enchanting subterranean space—an evocative world suspended more than 20 meters above the central Via XX Settembre (XX Settembre street) and situated below the surface of Corso Andrea Podestà (Andrea Podestà avenue). As we step into this once-forgotten realm, we will witness firsthand the ingenious solutions adopted by engineer Cesare Gamba, creating a unique and aweinspiring backdrop reminiscent of cathedral architecture. Notably, the bridge encompasses remnants of the ancient defensive walls (dating from 1536) adding to its distinctive character. Inside this subterranean haven, you will observe limestone stalactites and the ethereal roots of plants from surface that have penetrated this hidden realm. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to explore the ingenious drainage system designed to handle rainwater seepage within the structure. Exploring this distinctive hypogeum will offer you a captivating glimpse into a solid and unparalleled architectural marvel, allowing you to immerse yourself in five centuries of Genoa’s rich history. Fig. 2 – The well-shaped passage from which you access the “belly” of the Monumental Bridge (photo G. Barranco). Fig. 3 – The suggestive internal environments of the Monumental Bridge (photo S. Saj).

419 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa “THE UNDERGROUND CITADEL OF GENOA CAMPI” WWII AIR-RAID SHELTER OF THE STEELWORKS S.I.A.C. During the Second World War the city of Genoa was an important military target for Allied bombing. In the five years of war (1940-1945), Genoa suffered 86 air raids (of which 51 in 1944 alone) and two naval bombings (French 14/6/1940 and English 9/2/1941). The first bombing in Genoa was on 11/6/1940, 24 hours after the declaration of war. Genoa was the biggest port in Italy and here there was an important industrial system too, Genoa was the largest port in Italy and, at that time, many important factories were concentrated in the Valpolcevera (the valley of the Polcevera stream), in the western part of the city, including the S.I.A.C. - Società Italiana Acciaierie di Cornigliano (Italian Steelworks Company of Cornigliano), a large steel mill producing weapons components which was located in the Genova Campi area. Thousands of metalworkers used to work in S.I.A.C.. To protect these important human resources, in 1942, the company decided to build the biggest air raid shelter in Northern Italy. The planimetric layout was that of a pentagon with five galleries arranged in a fan, like the fingers of a hand, connected to each other, above and below, by two transverse galleries. This intelligent layout allowed, with the same linear development of the secFig. 1 – One of the two big turnstiles used to safely manage the flow of people moving inside (photo M. Traverso).

420 Guided tours “HYPOGEA2023” tions to be excavated, to reduce the construction time of the work by a fifth because five teams could dig at the same time. It was probably excavated in less than a year in the rock (Mignanego Argillites and Murta Argillites), inside the Coronata hill, the system of tunnels more than a kilometer long. Around 4500 workers could find shelter from the bombings inside this structure and here everything was built to be effective and efficient. There were wall writings to give behavioural indications, two big turnstiles to manage the flow of people moving inside, toilets and fountains for drinking water, a natural and a mechanical ventilation system, electric generators, a lighting and an emergency lighting circuit, two main entrances that could be closed by large sliding armored metal doors, emergency exits and even inclined ramps for the entrance of production machinery. After the war until today the shelter remained private propriety and almost useless so the entire structure it is really well preserved. Walking inside the dark of the tunnels you can feel what was happening there, imagining thousands of workers moving there during the bombings, forced to work under the Nazi occupation of the country while Partisan Resistance was struggling in the mountains, in the city and clandestinely also in factories and inside S.I.A.C.. Since it was built, the shelter became an artificial cave and in around 80 years a lot of interesting concrete formations and calthemites were created by flowing water and leaked minerals on the walls and the floor of the structure. Fig. 2 – The writing: “Forward quickly. Don’t just think about yourself, other people are still in danger on the road” (photo G. Barranco). Figg. 3, 4 – Different types of mineral concretions that formed relatively quickly inside this artificial cavity (photos S. Saj, G. Taccani).

421 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa The Centro Studi Sotterranei (Underground Research Center), known by its acronym CSS, is a dynamic interdisciplinary collective of experts hailing from various fields. This accomplished team comprises professionals in architecture and archaeology, geology and natural sciences, geography and history, as well as engineers and technicians with specialized skills in speleology, mountaineering, diving, and photography. Established in Genoa, CSS has been actively involved in exploring the city’s subterranean depths since 1986. The center was founded with a multifaceted mission that encompasses: • research, identification, surveying, documentation, and analysis of significant historical and culturally relevant structures constructed by humans beneath the urban landscape, some of which have remained concealed over time; • preservation, protection, conservation, and promotion of both natural and artificial underground environments, commonly referred to as hypogeal spaces; Fig. 1 – Some of the members ot the Centro Studi Sotterranei research team. Stefano Saj1 1 President Centro Studi Sotterranei, Genoa, Italy

422 Centro Studi Sotterranei form • fostering scientific and cultural awareness of artificial cavities through various means, including exhibitions, publications, magazines, articles, meetings, conferences, and guided tours; • conducting international speleo-archaeological expeditions, contributing to the global understanding of subterranean heritage. CSS collaborates closely with Public Administrations, Italian and international universities, Heritage Superintendencies, Italian Research Institutions such as Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (National Research Council), Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), Ministries, Foundations and Organizations including UNESCO, through conventions and contracts. CSS operates both domestically and internationally. IN GENOA CSS’s work in Genoa over the past 35 years has yielded the discovery and documentation of an extensive inventory of artificial cavities. These hypogeal spaces, numbering in the hundreds and stretching over kilometers, exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of size, age, and type, collectively forming what can be aptly described as an “underground city.” Some noteworthy accomplishments include: • The discovery in 1989 of the charnel house containing plague victims within the sixteenth-century bastion of Acquasola, widely reported in the national media. • Thorough assessment of various hypogeal structures such as culverts, streams, tunnels, air-raid shelters, crypts, and more. • Discovery of the monumental cistern system of the ancient Castelletto fortification, which once supplied the city’s water during times of siege. • Exploration and documentation of the extensive cisterns of Fort Begato and Fort Tenaglia, including photographic and video reportage. • Diving expeditions by underwater teams into the medieval cistern located in Piazza Fontane Marose. • Identification and exploration of the underground route of the historic aqueduct within the city. • Organization and management of guided tours through the “underground citadel” of Campi (an air-raid shelter capable of accommodating 4500 workers) and the “hollow core” of the Ponte Monumentale (Monumental Bridge). Fig. 2 – Some of the members ot the Centro Studi Sotterranei research team.

423 Fourth IC of Speleology in Artificial Cavities Hypogea 2023 - Genoa IN LIGURIA CSS has conducted scientific research within Western Europe’s oldest prehistoric copper mine, situated at Monte Loreto in the Sestri Levante hinterlands. These endeavors were carried out in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendence of Liguria and the University of Nottingham (UK). In Vado Ligure (Savona), CSS undertook the archaeological excavation and surveying of an ancient well located in the Roman Domus, a project commissioned by the Archaeological Superintendence of Liguria. In Albenga, CSS embarked on the excavation, exploration, and documentation of subterranean thermal conduits from the Roman era on behalf of the Archaeological Superintendence of Liguria. IN PUGLIA CSS delved into the exploration, documentation, and surveying of an ancient underground aqueduct stretching approximately two kilometers within the archaeological realm of the Butro Magno necropolis in Gravina di Puglia. This venture unfolded in collaboration with UNESCO, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the University of Alberta (Canada), and the Municipality of Gravina di Puglia. IN TURCHIA Since 1991, CSS has executed multiple speleo-archaeological missions accredited and authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture. These missions, conducted in partnership with Hacettepe and Gazi Universities in Ankara, have yielded significant findings, with the results published in a volume edited by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato (Italian State Printing Office and Mint) and the British Archaeological Researches in Oxford. GENERAL DATA Start of activity 1986 Establishment 1996 by notarial deed Head office Via Lungotorrente Secca 20, 16163 Genoa, Italy Documentation Center Office Corso Magenta 29/2, 16125 Genoa, Italy Mobile +39 375 5346629 Certified e-mail [email protected] Fig. 3 – Some of the members ot the Centro Studi Sotterranei research team.

424 Centro Studi Sotterranei form CONTACT CENTRO STUDI SOTTERRANEI Corso Magenta 29/2 - 16125 Genova, Italy Phone +39 010 2513206 Mobile +39 375 5346629 [email protected]

ISBN 978-88-32241-32-7 Opera Ipogea Journal of Speleology in Artificial Cavities