The territory of Monte Fenera became part of the regional system of Protected Areas in 1987 with the establishment of the Monte Fenera Natural Park and covers an area of over 3,300 hectares.

Of great interest for the geological aspects of the park are the numerous caves, some of which are of significant archaeological and paleontological interest, in which unique signs in Piedmont of the presence of the Neanderthal man, who lived in these places starting from 300,000 years ago, the Merk Rhinoceros, and the Cave Bear, which became extinct 20,000 years ago. The remains of the Neanderthal man or perhaps of an archaic form that developed between Heidelbergensis man and Neanderthal, found at Fenera are the oldest remains found in all of Northern Italy.

The best-known caves are those of Ara, surrounded by a garden and perfect for families, and the Ciota Ciara Cave, the Ciutarun Cave, the shelter of Belvedere, and the Buco della Bondaccia; many other cavities, more or less large and deep, are added to these. If the Garden of the Ara Caves is open to the public, the Ciota Ciara and Ciotarun can only be visited with the accompaniment of Official Guides of the Protected Areas Management Agency Valle Sesia, while for all the others the accompaniment of speleological guides is necessary.

The Ciota Ciara Cave is continuously subject to archaeological excavations by the University of Ferrara, whose students conduct an excavation campaign every year finding accommodation at the GASB Refuge, open only on this occasion and reserved for scholars.