Frasassi Caves

A natural wonder

The Frasassi Caves are a must do experience when coming to the area. Discovered by a group of Ancona speleologists in 1971, they are situated inside the Regional Natural Park of Gola Rossa and Frasassi, in the Genga municipality.

This spectacular tour proceeds along walkways through a natural sequence of stalactites and stalagmites, and crystal water pools and rocky pits. The guide will point out the various shapes of the formations nicknames by the speleologists; like the Obelisk a 15m stalagmite, Orsa or bear, and Spada di Damocle or Sword of Damocles, the biggest stalactite, 7.40 m high and 150 cm in diameter.

These natural sculptures created some 190 million years ago continue to slowly change as water drips through the rock caves. The carbon dioxide in the limestone carried by water creates a chemical process producing a calcium hydrogen carbonate salt. This transfer of small amounts of calcium carbonate from place to place in the course of a trickle tends to form concretions of these odd shapes of considerable size.

The lighting is completely artificial and uses only white cold lights to show off the spectacular array of shapes and blue lights to highlight the wells and ponds.

The tourist trail of 1500m lasts about 75 minutes. A shuttle bus from the car-park transports visitors to and from the caves which adds a few more minutes each way. Inside the Frasassi Caves there is, a constant temperature of 15 ° C throughout the year with a relative humidity close to 100%. Wear suitable clothing for the temperature in the caves and possibly sturdey shoes to avoid slipping as the path is sometimes wet.

You can buy your ticket directly from the ticket office on the day of your visit. However in the height of summer this is not recommended as the queues can be long, so pre-booking online is the best method.

You can purchase tickets online at https://www.ticketone.it/en/grotte-di-frasassi.

In case of online purchase, it is important to reach the Frasassi Caves Entrance Car Park, in La Cuna at least 15 minutes before the time specified on the ticket and go directly to the Shuttle Bus point, without queuing at the Ticket Office. The shuttle bus service is included in the purchased entrance ticket. For children under the age of 6, entry is free but it is necessary to collect a free entry ticket from the Info Point adjacent to the ticket office. In this case it is recommended to arrive at least 30 min. before the time specified on the ticket.

To find out more visit https://www.frasassi.com

Frasassi Caves La Cerqua

Location

1 Hours drive from La Cerqua

Once on the SS76 Ancona - Roma, Exit Genga - Sassoferrato

Follow the directions for the Frasassi Caves which will take you to the Frasassi Caves Parking area. Here you will find the ticket office, refreshment kiosks and WC’s. The shuttle buses leave and return to this car park.