Discover the Enchanting Caves of Frasassi and Tempio di Valadier: Your Ultimate Holiday Adventure in Le Marche!
If you want to visit the Caves of Frasassi and Tempio di Valadier, read this blog. The most famous caves in Italy and one of the largest cave systems in Europe are literally beneath our Bed and Breakfast Fonte Fresca! We live on the mountain Monte Valmontagnana, where the caves are located!
The caves of Frasassi and Tempio di Valadier are located in Le Marche in the Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi nature reserve near Genga. Tempio di Valadier is located in the gorge a short distance from the caves. The temple is built high into the rocks and is a beautiful example of architecture!
The Intriguing Caves of Frasassi
The Frasassi Caves are a must when visiting Le Marche in Italy. The spectacular caves contain approximately 30 kilometers of corridors. You can visit some of these. You visit various rooms and corridors with impressive stalagmites and stalactites in a fairytale atmosphere. You will also be amazed by the naturally formed formations that resemble animals or people. You admire the enchanting stalactite formations and discover beautiful vistas. The beauty and variety in shape and color of the different rooms and corridors is overwhelming! The Great Dome, one of the striking features, has a height of over 200 meters and a diameter of approximately 100 meters! The caves are therefore in no way comparable to other caves.
The recent discovery of the caves
The story goes that the caves were only discovered in 1971 by a number of students (speleologists). They walked the geological trail (Sentiero Geologico) on Mount Valmontagnana. There they accidentally discovered a cavity along the path. When they descended into the cavity and dropped a stone there, it took a while before they heard that this stone reached the bottom… An expedition was set up and the largest chamber of the cave was discovered. In the years that followed, a tunnel was drilled from the Gola della Rossa gorge and this now forms the entrance to the cave system. Cavers are still active in the caves. New corridors are still being discovered to this day.
Visit the caves
The visit to the caves is perfectly arranged! Ticket sales are located at the (free) parking lot in Genga (station). With your ticket you will be taken per group by bus to the entrance of the caves. Experienced guides will receive you there and provide the approximately one-hour tour in Italian or English. They explain not only the formation of the impressive stalactites and stalagmites, but also the geological processes that contributed to their formation. The part of the cave that is visited has been made easily accessible and has excellent paths. We have now been to the caves a number of times. Just like the first time, we are always overwhelmed by all the beauty we see there. We enjoy it every time and discover something new every time.
Adventurous underground tours
For the adventurous traveler, the Frasassi Caves offer not only visual splendor, but also caving opportunities. Several tours are available, including the longer “Adventure Tour”. With a helmet on your head and a lamp in your hand, a guide will take you on an underground adventure full of stories about how these caves came to be. So if you are adventurous, explore the caves in a different way. Take part in the caving trips that are organized. Explore the rooms and corridors in the caves that remain hidden from the general public under the guidance of an experienced guide.
Tempio di Valadier – An Architectural Masterpiece
Tempio di Valadier is a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture. The temple was built between 1826 and 1832 as a tribute to Pope Leo the XII. It is a masterpiece by the Italian architect Giuseppe Valadier. The neoclassical sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The beautiful structure is located in the rocks of the Gola della Rossa and has a truly unique location! It is visited by both religious visitors and lovers of architectural beauty. Take a deep breath before you start the path to the temple, because the path to it goes up about 700 meters. Once at the top you will be enchanted by the temple and the fantastic view of the gorge and the panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Stay above the Caves – B&B Fonte Fresca
For a unique experience you can stay in our B&B Fonte Fresca, located above the Frasassi Caves. The Bed & Breakfast not only offers comfortable accommodations, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can relax on the terrace and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, knowing that the magical world of the caves is right under your feet. You can go hiking or mountain biking directly from the B&B!
Many other attractions in Le Marche and Umbria are located within a radius of 60 kilometers from B&B Fonte Fresca. Extend your stay and visit the chalk cliffs at Sirolo, the Adriatic beaches, the Sibillini Mountains, cities such as Ancona, Perugia, Gubbio, Urbino and Asissi. When you stay with us, we would be happy to tell you more about other attractions in our area. We will tell you the best restaurants and possibly walk with you to the original entrance (location) of the caves.
Tickets and practical information
To visit the Frasassi and Tempio di Valadier caves, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during busy periods. Tickets for the caves are available online. It is useful to consult the official website for current opening hours and rates. Visitors who want to combine both attractions can take advantage of combined tickets at a discounted price. You can also buy individual tickets at the official ticket sales office in the parking lot.
Please note: tickets can only be purchased at the official ticket sales in the parking lot and not at the entrance to the cave!
Link for ordering entrance tickets or books caving tour: https://www.frasassi.com/
—DISCOUNT PROMOTION —especially for BLOG READERS—
IF YOU BOOK A STAY WITH US OF AT LEAST 3 NIGHTS EARLY* IN 2024,
WE WILL GIVE YOU A DISCOUNT FOR VISIT TO THE CAVES!
SEND AN EMAIL WITH “BLOG-ACTION-CAVES” TO: Contact – B&B Fonte Fresca
*at least 4 weeks in advance.