Frasassi Caves, Genga, Italy

The Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi) form a spectacular karst cave system located in the municipality of Genga, in the Marche region of central Italy, within the province of Ancona. The caves lie inside the Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Natural Park, a protected area of high geological and natural interest. Discovered in the early 1970s by speleologists, the system stretches for more than 30 km in total, although about 1.5 km is developed for public visits.

Visitors typically reach the caves via a shuttle bus run from the San Vittore delle Chiuse parking and ticket office, which is provided free with the entrance ticket. By car, one can leave the A14 motorway at the Ancona Nord exit, then take the SS76 superhighway towards Rome, exiting at Genga.

The standard guided tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes. In 2026 it costs €20 for adults, €18 reduced (ages 15–25, over 65 and some other groups) and €14 for children aged 6–14; children under 6 enter free. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there are speleological tours with equipment provided: the “blue route” (about 2 hours) is €40, and the “red route” (about 3 hours) costs €50; they must be booked by phone or email.

The Frasassi Caves are known for their immense chambers and dramatic rock formations. One of the most impressive sections is the Abisso Ancona, a vast underground hall so large that it is often likened to a cathedral in scale. The caves are also notable for their speleological importance, having been explored in depth only since the 1970s. During the tour, visitors may also gain access to nearby museums: the Speleo-Paleontological and Archaeological Museum of San Vittore, and the Museum of Art, History & Territory in Genga, which are included in the ticket.

Internal temperatures remain fairly constant at around 14 °C, with high humidity; visitors are advised to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes with good grip.

The caves are closed on 4 and 25 December and from 7 to 30 January. Visitors with reduced mobility can go as far as the beginning of the second chamber, the Sala 200.

Because the site is popular, especially in summer, booking online in advance is strongly recommended.