This vast network of limestone caves in central Italy contains massive chambers with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
Deep beneath Italy's Apennine Mountains, the Frasassi Caves stretch through vast underground chambers. Walk past 20-meter-high stalagmites known as the Giants, see water droplets creating new limestone formations, and watch your reflection in crystallized lakes. The largest chamber, the Ancona Abyss, rises 200 meters high - enough space to hold Milan's Duomo cathedral.
The Ancona Abyss forms the heart of Frasassi Caves, with its 200-meter height and 180-meter width. As you walk through the Room of Candles, you'll see thin stalagmites that look like dripping wax. In the Room of the Infinite, massive limestone columns stretch from floor to ceiling. The cave system maintains 100% humidity, and water continues to shape new geological formations daily. Look down at the crystallized lake to see perfect reflections of the cave formations above.
You'll need to join a guided tour to explore the 1.5-kilometer cave path. Tours last 75 minutes and run in English three times daily: 11:40 AM, 1:40 PM, and 3:40 PM. During July and August, there's an additional tour at 5:15 PM. Buy your tickets at the main parking lot office at least 30 minutes before the tour starts. The cave temperature stays at 14°C (57°F) year-round, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
For a more challenging experience, take the Blue Path, a two-hour spelunking route through medium-difficulty passages. You'll need basic climbing abilities and must be at least 12 years old. The Red Path takes three hours and includes crawling through narrow passages and climbing over varied terrain. Both paths include safety equipment and professional guides, and require advance booking.
Drive 7 kilometers south of Genga to reach the caves - you'll see signs directing you to the main parking area. A shuttle bus runs from the parking lot to the cave entrance. If you're traveling by train, get off at Genga-San Vittore station on the Rome-Ancona line and walk to the shuttle stop. The caves close on December 4th, December 25th, and January 7-30th for biological rest.
Two historic chapels sit near the cave entrance. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria infra Saxa (built 1029) is carved directly into the rock face. To reach the Temple of Valadier (1828), walk 700 meters along a paved path to find this octagonal church built inside a natural cavern. Visit the 11th-century San Vittore Abbey to see its museum of local paleontology and cave exploration - your cave tour ticket includes museum entry.
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