Frasassi Caves – Genga
A karst cave system located in the Natural Regional Park
Discovered in 1971 by a group of cave Italian explorers of CAI Ancona, Frasassi Caves are a karst cave system located in Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Natural Park, in the municipality of Genga, Italy, in the province of Ancona.
Inside the caves it is possible to admire natural limestone sculptures created by the combined effect of water and rock in over 190 million years. Rich in water, the cave system is particularly well endowed with stalactites and stalagmites. Because of their peculiar shapes, some of them have been given curious nicknames by the speleologists: “Giganti” (the Giants), “Cammello” (Camel) and “Dromedario” (Dromedary), “Orsa” (She-bear), “Madonnina”, “Spada di Damocle” (Sword of Damocles), “Fetta di pancetta” (Bacon slice, due to its pinkish coloring) and “Fetta di lardo” (Lard slice, completely white), and “Castello delle streghe” (Witches castle).
The tourist trail lasts about 75 minutes and the path is 1500 m long.
How to be dressed
The temperature inside the caves is around 15 Celsius degrees (59 Fahrenheit) all the year-long offering a feeling of warmth in winter and of coolness in summer. Thus in summer, it’s worth having a sweatshirt or sweater. Also important to have: comfortable and possibly closed shoes to avoid slipping and getting hurt as the path, also if it is organized in safety, sometimes may be wet.
Speleo-adventures
In addition to the tourist trail, two speleo-adventures are also available (mandatory reservation):
– The blue trail lasts about 2 hours and is suitable for everyone older than 12 years old. It represents the first step to enter the speleological world.
– The red trail is for adventurous people with a bit of experience. About 3 hours long, the tour begins in “sala dell’infinito”, the last stage of the tourist trail. Narrow passages, chasms, and many obstacles to overcome for a breathtaking experience.
USEFUL INFORMATION
For costs and opening hours see the website>>
The caves are closed on some days in December and 20 days in January.
Tickets can be purchased on the website>>>
For more information, call the toll-free number 800.166.250
A VIRTUAL TOUR of the Frasassi Caves is also available>>>
HOW TO GET THERE
By car: Autostrada A14 (Bologna Centrale), exit at Ancona Nord.
Superstrada SS76 Ancona – Roma, exit Genga
By train: Train Ancona – Roma, Genga – San Vittorio Terme Station
By bus: ask for information about a shuttle service connecting Frasassi Caves with all the major towns located in the area
ARE YOU IN THE MARCHE REGION?
See on ItalybyEvents a selection of further events and places to visit in Marche>>>
And why not taste the traditional food of Marche>>>
