They are a real natural wonder, an intricate complex of caves that constitute one of the most loved and most popular tourist attractions in the Marche... #tuttitaly
Discovered in 1971 by a group of very young speleologists, the Frasassi Caves originated during the Pleistocene, 1 million and 4,000 years ago.
The Sentino River, which was 300 m higher up, created today's gorge. The water had a double action: destructive, creating the cavities; constructive, filling them with stalactites, stalagmites, and concretions.
The path inside the caves is divided into about 800 m of walking inside the five rooms accessible to all after going through the artificial tunnel.
Ancona Abyss or Great Hall of the Wind
An enormous cavity 180 m long, 240 high, and 120 wide. In the center stand the two Giants, a group of 150,000-year-old stalagmites, about 20 m tall; behind them, above, the 2.5 m high Madonna of the speleologist watches over.
The crystallized lake houses a 2.10 m high iron stalagmite with a slight lateral white spot nicknamed the devil with the candle. Finally, Niagara appears with a white flow of pure calcite and the Castle of the Fairies.
Room 200
The second room takes its name from its extension, about 200 m. Here awaits us the Castle of the Witches, formed by the collapse of a rock, later covered by many stalagmites similar to Spiers.
Above, on the vault, a 7.4 m long stalactite, known as the sword of Damocles.
The Slices of Lard are noteworthy: drops of water deposited along the walls while continuous wind currents hit them.
Further on, we meet the Obelisk, a stalagmite formed on a large rock that fell from above.
Grand Canyon Room
A walkway is suspended over the crevasses of the caves, at the bottom of which is the water table of the Sentino River, about 25 m below our feet.
In one corner, a beautiful white organ, shiny and smooth, formed by many parallel stalactites, rolled up on itself.
Hall of Candles
A welcoming and relaxing space: a pond from which slender stalagmites emerge and over which hang stalactites that are reflected in the water.
Hall of the Bear and the Infinite
A rock sculpted by atmospheric agents to look like a bear welcomes us to the Infinity area: a circular labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites.
Conclusion
You can appreciate this and much more in a simple 75-minute visit, easily accessible to young and old.
