"Our world’s caves are places of wonder, mystery and majestic beauty. Show caves around the world are embracing their role in protecting and preserving caves and providing a place for people to learn about these special, natural, cultural and historical resources.

Show caves also play another important nature tourism role of sustainable economic development, providing jobs, and helping the economy of their regions.”

International Year of Caves and Karst

Home

The International Show Caves Association (I.S.C.A.) was founded in November 1990 and set up its central office in Genga, Italy. After the first Consitutent Assembly held in Frasassi (Genga Ancona, Italy) in November 1989, important events have contributed to the development and consolidation of the association.

Definition of a show cave

A show cave is defined as a natural occurring void beneath the surface of the earth that has been made accessible to the public for tours.

News

Alfonso XII Award

25. August 2020 Rodríguez Rafael Pagés

ACTE (Spanish Association of Tourist Caves) has announced the Alfonso XII Award concerning the Research, Conservation and Enhancement of the Subterranean Environment. Click the headline for more info.

» more information

How To Visit A Show Cave: an instruction manual

04. July 2020 Wuest Brad

Most of the visitors of the thousands of show caves around the world spend around an hour enjoying a visit to a series of exceptional places, with a unique natural and cultural heritage. Most likely, this visit is the first time they come in contact with the underworld; and, in many cases, it may also be the only time they do it in their lives. Surprisingly, almost all underground tourists are satisfied with their visit to a show cave, although they are not aware that this satisfaction can go far beyond the limited time dedicated to their tour if they prepare properly for it.

» more information

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CAVES AND THE SUBTERRANEAN WORLD 2020

06. June 2020 Wuest Brad

Members of the International Show Caves Association (ISCA) join cave enthusiasts around the world celebrating the International Day of Caves and the Subterranean World June 6 to increase awareness about the significance of caves to our environment, culture, history and economy, and how their economic impact has been effected by COVID-19.

» more information

ISCA COVID Recommendations

15. May 2020 Gazik Peter

Dear show caves friends, ISCA Scientific and Technical Committee prepared recommendations for reopening the caves as the COVID virus pandemic retreats.

» more information

Prayer for a Pandemic

01. April 2020 Holt Robert A.

This prayer was issued in the Cave Talk of NCA by Robert Holt. Hold on, because "everybody hurts sometimes" and "sometimes everything is wrong"...

» more information

COVID-19 tracking

26. March 2020 Wuest Brad

Dear fans of show caves, it seems that all the show caves in the world are now closed. One of the important things we can do is to be well informed on its spread around the globe. Linked to this message is the free and illustrative information source. Stay safe and healthy!!

» more information