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The Frasassi Caves
History | Things to see and do | Admission info
Brief History of The Frasassi Caves
Shortly after the second world war, in 1948 to be precise, a major river cave was discovered, near the town of San Vittore delle Chiuse, in the Frasassi gorge of the Sentino River, by Mario Marchetti, Paolo Beer and Carlo Pegorari, members of the Marche speleological group from Ancona. Over the next thirty years repeated expeditions by various groups of scientists, explorers, and amateur enthusiasts uncovered a hugely impressive series of connected caves, including the largest single cavern in Europe, the Grotta Grande del Vento - a massive cavern that could comfortably fit the duomo of Milan inside.
In 1972 the Consorzio Frasassi was formed to oversee the preservation and management of this wonderful natural resource. The consorzio is run jointly by the Ancona Provincial authorities and the Comune of Genga, the largest nearby town. Work was undertaken between 1972 and 1974 in order to open the cave complex, safely, to the general public. A man-made tunnel was built, walkways and lighting installed, to create an opportunity for visitors to see up to 1.4km of the cave system. The actual cave system extends for an estimated 35km, but the vast majority of it is not open to the public.
The Gola della Rossa e Frassasi Natural Park
The Frassasi caves are just one part of a beautiful nature reserve that takes in over 9,167 hectares in the middle of the mountainous Marche region (a region often cited, justifiably, as 'the new Tuscanny'). The park was officialy created in 1997.
The park region provides a habitat for over 100 different types of birds, including the Golden Eagle (Aquila reale in Italian - or Aquila chrysaetos to give it its rightful name).
Amongst the animals living in the park area are wild boars, deers, mountain goats, and significant numbers of wolves. In fact, the wolf population has grown thanks to conservation legislation, and the abundance of prey in the region.
There are huge areas of forest, including European Hop-hornbeam trees, Oaks, and Beechwood, which make for good trecking routes when combined with the various river gorges, the Frasassi cave complex, and generally wild terrain.
If that weren't enough, there are a number of monastries and castles within the park boundaries, which give you the opportunity to enjoy some man-made wonders of the cultural/artistic kind!
Things to do and see in the Gola Della Rossa e Frasassi Park
Visit the Grotte di Frasassi Caves
There are two different options for visiting the caves - the first, and easiest option, is to take the 1 hour guided tour which brings you down into the complex, allowing you to visit the huge Grotta Grande del Vento and the Grotta del Fiume. There are stalagmites and stalactites aplenty, all lit brilliantly whilst preserving the flora and fauna of the caves.
The second option is to book a place on a special caving tour (booking is required at least one week in advance) - which can last 2.5 hours or 4 hours depending upon the level chosen. These tours are led by specialised guides.
Take a trekk through the Park
Two nice and recommended treks, amongst the many, in the park are: a)Trek through the Scappuccia valley, just north of Genga. The entrance for this trek is through a small canyon that opens out into a beautiful wooded river valley. The trek takes about 2hours, and runs over almost 6 km.
b) Trek from lake Fossi to Mt. Predicatore. Lake fossi, is easily reached by road, and has a number of facilities nearby , including a camping ground and picnicking area. The trek takes about an hour and a half, and runs for 2.5km.Visit Genga
Genga is the main town within the park area - a medieval town perched on a hill, and ancestral home to the della Genga family, the most famous of whom was Pope Leo XII (1823-1829). The town plays host to the San Clemente museum of Sacred Art which is worth a visit, while you're in the area.Visit the San Vittore alle Chiuse Abbey
Nearby the entrance to the Frasassi Caves, you can find the splendid looking Abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse. Built in the 11th Century, this abbey is a notable example of Byzantine architecture in Italy, and set against the backdrop of the park's mountains it's a stunning sight.
Admission info
- The Frasassi Caves are open all year round apart from major feast days and a period running from 10-30th of January. The caves are chilly, with an almost constant temperature of 14°C.
Admission is €15, or €10 for Children under between the ages of 6-14. Children under the age of 6 are admitted free.
Opening hours vary depending upon the time of year, and can be checked here
- To get to the caves by Car:
From Rimini take the A14 in the direction of Ancona.
Exit at Ancona, and take the SS76 (Ancona - Roma).
Exit at Genga, and follow signs for the Frasassi caves.
To get to the Park headquarters, exit the SS7t at Serra San Quirico. - To get to the caves by Train:
Take a train from Rimini to Ancona.
From Ancona take the Ancona - Roma line, making sure your train stops at Genga.
From Genga you can take a local train to San Vittore Terme.