Frasassi Caves, San Vittore

Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi) represent a huge system of karst caves with a total length of almost 30 kilometers. The huge underground spaces are filled with excellent results of the natural work of water with stone. Formations of the most bizarre form will amaze your imagination. After the permission to visit the caves, they became one of the main attractions of the Marche region.

History

The discovery of the caves dates back to the post-war years. On June 28, 1948 a group of speleologists led by Mario Marchetti discovered the entrance to the cave Grotta del Fiume. Further, more zealous research was conducted by groups of the Club Alpino Italiano. In 1966, a branch with a length of more than 1.5 kilometers was discovered. In July 1971, a group of 7 people discovered the entrance to another cave. After a month of works on its expansion, about five kilometers of new caves were opened in front of the eyes of the researchers, with a series of tunnels, wells and impressive galleries. Traces of animals preserved for millennia were found inside.

And on September 25, 1971 the entrance to the huge cave Grotta Grande del Vento was found. Until the end of the year, research work continued, and a connection was found with the previously discovered cave. In 1972, the organization Consorzio Frasassi was created, which engaged in the protection and strengthening of the cave system. An artificial tunnel was built between the caves, and then a tourist route was laid. The official opening of grottos for visitors was held on September 1, 1974. Since then, more than 12 million people have visited the cave. Till this date, work on their research continues.

Nature of the caves and facts

The main thing that attracts attention in the cave is a large number of stalactites, stalagmites and stalagnates of all shapes and sizes. The most notable are the names – Giants, Camel, Sword of Damocles, Niagara Falls, Obelisk and Organ pipes. There are also ponds inside the caves where water accumulates in the so-called wells, deep cylindrical cavities, stagnate or deliver water to the lower karst levels. Daylight does not penetrate inside the cave, and artificial lighting is used. The temperature inside is stable all year round and is 14 degrees Celsius.

67 species of animals were found inside the caves, many of which are endemic. More than 10 species of bats live here, among which there is a colony of long-winged bats represented by 12000 individuals. Also many species of troglofauna, and, finally, newts and salamanders live in the cave.

The fact that a monk-hermit Silvestro Guzzolini lived in one of the caves, Grottafucile, in the distant 13th century is interesting. Later he became the founder of the monastic order of the Sylvestrines, who separated from the Benedictines. And up to the 19th century there was an underground monastery of the Order in this cave.

Tourist route

A well-equipped route with a length of 1.5 kilometers is laid in the cave. People with disabilities can visit only until the second room. While visiting, it is recommended to dress warmly and use strong comfortable shoes. The tour lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, during the route there is an opportunity to visit 5 underground halls-cavities.

1. Abyss Ancona. This is the first part of the cave that was opened to researchers. It is one of the largest in Europe: length 180, width 120 and height 200 meters. At the entrance to it there is a crystallized pond formed as a result of the evaporation of water saturated with calcium carbonates. There are interesting formations here – Niagara Falls, Fairy Castle and Giants. The latter are really impressive: some of the stalagmites have a diameter of up to 5 meters, and a height of up to 20 meters.
2. Hall 200. This is the same piece of corridor, laid between the caves of Grotta del Fiume and Grotta Grande del Vento. It has a quaint system of red stalagmites called the Witch Castle. The stalagmite Obelisk with a height of 15 meters is an excellent guide for the speleologists who worked in the cave. The huge stalactite Sword of Damocles is worthy of attention, and its length is 7.4 meters.
3. The Grand Canyon. The route in this part is laid along the suspension bridge over cracks. There is a group of stalagnates called Organ pipes here, which will really remind you of a musical instrument.
4. Bear hall. It has impressive wells with a base level. These are vertical cylindrical formations through which sulfuric waters rise.
5. Endless hall. It completes the route, and is quite similar to the previous hall, but much larger in size.

The administration also offers various training programs and excursions for schools. There is also a special offer for those wishing to feel like a speleologist. Such visitors are invited to go through a speleological route in the full scientist costume and without the lighting equipment that is used on the tourist route.

How to get there

Frasassi Caves are located in the province of Ancona, 230 km north of Rome, and 60 km south-west of the main city of the Marche region. The administrative center of Marche is the most convenient way to get from the city of Ancona. From the central railway station, trains run regularly to the town of Fabriano, you need to get off at Genga station (9 stops from Ancona). From the station to the caves it is about 20 minutes walk.

Opening hours: from March to October every day from 10:00 to 18:00, the last visit is possible at 17:00. From November to February: Monday-Friday at 11:30 and 15:30, on Saturday at 11:30, 14:30 and 16:30, on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. You need to make a reservation. Phone number (+39) 0732 90090.

Admission: the price of the full ticket is 14 euros, with a discount (pensioners over 65, students) – 15 euros, children (6-14) – 12 euros. For children under 6 – admission is free. Data of July 2018.