Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi)

The basics

The Frasassi Caves is one of the most famous attractions in the Italian region of Le Marche, so book your tickets in advance as guided tours routinely sell out. Visitors can only enter the caves as part of a group tour, which lasts about 75 minutes and follows a walkway through highlights like the Ancona Abyss and Gran Canyon. Alternatively, join a guided spelunking tour that explores less accessible parts of the cave system with climbing equipment.

Things to know before you go

• The tourist route follows a walkway through the cave system and is accessible to all ages and skill levels. You must be at least 12 years old and in good physical condition to take on the spelunking routes.

• The tourist route involves a 1-hour walk, so wear comfortable shoes. Bring a light sweater or jacket because the caves are cool inside year-round.

• English-language guided tours are offered in the summer. During the rest of the year, English speakers can visit the caves with an Italian group and listen to an English audio guide as they move through the caves.

• Restrooms and a picnic area are available at the entrance of the caves.

• There is ample free parking on-site.

• The first cavern of the cave system is accessible to wheelchairs via a series of entrance ramps.

How to get there

The caves are located deep in the mountainous countryside of Le Marche and can only be reached by rental car, or with a tour that includes transportation from Ancona or other nearby major cities. Note that the parking area and ticket office are located about a mile (1.5 km) from the cave entrance—a shuttle bus transports visitors to the tour meeting point.

When to get there

This popular natural wonder gets very busy on weekends, holidays, and during the summer months, so book tickets well in advance to secure your time slot. Visit on a weekday, or during the quieter months from late fall through early spring, to enjoy the caves without the hubbub.

Highlights of the Frasassi Caves

The Frasassi Caves are so large that they are hard to put into perspective, even when you’re visiting. The Ancona Abyss (Abisso Ancona), for example, could easily fit the Milan Duomo inside, and the giant stalactites and stalagmites are up to 65 feet (20 meters) long. The 200 Hall (Sala 200) stretches more than 650 feet (200 meters, thus the name), while Great Cave of the Winds (Grotta Grande del Vento) has about 8 miles (13 km) of passageways.