Frasassi Caves - photo of brown and gray cave
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Frasassi Caves

4.8
·30k reviews·San Vittore, Italy

Explore one of Europe's largest karst cave systems, a subterranean wonderland of colossal chambers and intricate formations discovered in 1971.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-May

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
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Frasassi Caves - photo of brown and gray cave

Frasassi Caves

Best Time

Mid-May

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore one of Europe's largest karst cave systems, a subterranean wonderland of colossal chambers and intricate formations discovered in 1971.

4.8
(30k reviews)

"The caves are spectacular and only discovered in the 70s. Tickets 18 euros well worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Frasassi Caves Tickets

Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid queues.

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Caves

From the train station, it's a 1km walk to the ticket office; a shuttle is available but the walk is manageable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abisso Ancona

Abisso Ancona

Largest chamber

A colossal cavern so vast, the Duomo of Milan could fit inside. Truly awe-inspiring scale.

Room of Candles

Room of Candles

Within the cave system

Delicate, slender stalagmites resembling candles, showcasing nature's intricate artistry.

Stalagmite Formations

Stalagmite Formations

Throughout the caves

Witness unique, named stalagmites and stalactites, sculpted over millions of years.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

To ensure your preferred tour time and avoid long waits, especially during peak season, it's highly recommended to purchase your Frasassi Caves tickets online beforehand. This is a common tip from visitors to streamline their experience. Reddit

Consider Tour Group Size

Some visitors noted that tour groups can be quite large, which might detract from the experience. While this can vary by season, booking in advance might offer more options for smaller groups or specific times. Reddit

Best Times

When
Mid-May
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pt. 2 Result of the previous video 😝 GIANT #editing #giant #grottedifrasassi #sanvittore
@faffapix
7.4M likes • 76.2M views

🎟️ Book Frasassi Caves Tickets

Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid queues. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Caves

From the train station, it's a 1km walk to the ticket office; a shuttle is available but the walk is manageable. Reddit

Pt. 1 Result out now on my profile! Result is INCREDIBLE 😍 #behindthescene #sanvittore #grottedifrasassi
@faffapix
591.3K likes • 8.1M views
Did you know one of the largest caves you can explore in Europe is in Italy? The Frasassi Caves left me speech. These were formed millions of years ago, but were discovered in the 1970s. One of the chambers is so big that the entire Duomo in Milan can fit inside. There is also the Room of Candles and some of the stalagmites even have nicknames, including Dante. Also, for an English tour gui...
here_in_ny
113 likes • 5.1K views

🗣️ English Tours Available

Guided tours are offered in English, with guides often praised for their knowledge and humor. Reddit+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The cave path involves stairs, so wear comfortable footwear for the guided walk. Reddit

The Frasassi Caves are a karst cave system in the municipality of Genga, Italy, in the province of Ancona, Marche. They are among the most famous show caves in Italy. An entrance to one of the Frasassi caves was discovered by a farmer on June 28, 1948. More entrances were found in the 1950s and 1960s by members of the Italian Mountaineering Club (Club Alpino Italiano) from the nearby towns of Jes...
nbruo
59 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Frasassi Caves Tickets

Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid queues. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk to the Caves

From the train station, it's a 1km walk to the ticket office; a shuttle is available but the walk is manageable. Reddit

🗣️ English Tours Available

Guided tours are offered in English, with guides often praised for their knowledge and humor. Reddit+1

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The cave path involves stairs, so wear comfortable footwear for the guided walk. Reddit

👶 Consider Age Restrictions

Very young children or babies may be disruptive due to noise and stairs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(30k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Frasassi Caves as a spectacular and breathtaking natural wonder, highlighting the immense scale of the caverns and the intricate beauty of stalactites and stalagmites. The knowledgeable and engaging guides are frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, making the experience educational and enjoyable for all ages. Some minor drawbacks include potentially large tour groups and the presence of stairs, which may be a consideration for families with very young children.

"This is really worth doing if you are in the area. The caves are spectacular and only discovered in the 70s. We went mid May and unfortunately could not get an English tour guidebook I think there are more available in peak season. Buy tickets before visit to ensure you get a good time and don't have to wait for long. My only criticism was the size of the party. It could do with being a bit smaller. Again that might be different in the peak season. Tickets 18 euros well worth it!"

Chris Wright

"they were stunning.
the tour guide was cheerful, funny and very good with kids. she answered every question and was overall extremely welcoming.
the place itself is seriously breathtaking, a must-go if you get the chance.
the reduced price was 18€ per person, which might seem steep but it's totally worth it as it allows you to enter two more museums for free."

elisa !!

"A must do when visiting the region! The caverns are magnificent & magical. They found them in 1971 and opened them to the public in 1973. The stalagmites and stalactites are phenomenal. If you come by train, it is a 1 km walk to the ticket station where the bus will take you for the tour. They have tours in English. We purchased tickets in advance."

Irene Estlund

What People Like

Spectacular cave formations
Knowledgeable guides
Immense scale

What People Dislike

Large tour groups
Stairs can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach the Frasassi Caves by train to the Genga-San Vittore Terme station. From there, it's about a 1 km walk to the ticket office, or you can take a shuttle bus. Reddit Driving is also an option, with parking available. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available near the ticket office and the entrance to the caves. TikTok

Yes, the Frasassi Caves are accessible from Ancona, with train services available to Genga-San Vittore Terme. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find traveling by train convenient, followed by a short walk or shuttle to the caves. Reddit+1

The caves are generally accessible, though the path inside involves stairs. A shuttle bus is available from the ticket desk to the cave entrance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are approximately 18 euros per person, with a reduced price available. This often includes entry to two additional museums. Reddit+1

It is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance to ensure your preferred tour time and avoid long waiting lines, especially during peak season. Reddit

Opening hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official Frasassi Caves website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability. TikTok

Yes, guided tours are mandatory for exploring the caves. The tours are available in multiple languages, including English. Reddit

A standard ticket typically includes a guided tour of the main cave system. Some ticket options may also grant access to nearby museums. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tour takes you through stunning chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Guides are knowledgeable and often humorous, making the experience engaging for all ages. TikTokReddit

The guided tour typically lasts about 75 minutes, allowing ample time to explore the magnificent formations. TikTok

The walk within the caves is not overly strenuous, but there are stairs involved. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Reddit

Yes, children are welcome, and guides are often good with kids. However, very young children or babies might be disruptive due to noise and stairs. Reddit+1

Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer scale of the Abisso Ancona chamber and the delicate formations in the Room of Candles. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the Frasassi Caves, but without flash to protect the delicate formations and ensure the best experience for all visitors. TikTok

The vastness of the Abisso Ancona and the intricate details of the stalagmites and stalactites offer numerous stunning photo opportunities throughout the tour. TikTok+1

Yes, your phone camera is perfect for capturing the incredible sights. Just remember to disable the flash. TikTok

Expect to capture dramatic shots of immense caverns, delicate formations, and unique geological structures. TikTokInstagram+1

While video recording is usually permitted, it's always best to check for any specific rules regarding video use during tours to avoid disruption. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Frasassi Caves can be a fascinating adventure for families. Guides are often noted for being great with children, answering their questions enthusiastically and making the tour engaging. Reddit The sheer size and unique formations within the caves are sure to capture young imaginations. However, it's important to note that the tour involves stairs and can be quite long (around 75 minutes), which might be challenging for very young children or babies who may also be disruptive due to noise. Reddit Consider bringing a carrier for infants if you plan to visit. Booking tickets in advance is a good strategy to ensure a smoother experience. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

While the Frasassi Caves ticket price of around 18 euros might seem steep, many visitors find it to be excellent value for money. Reddit This price often includes access to two additional museums, enhancing the overall experience without extra cost. Reddit Traveling by train to Genga-San Vittore Terme is a cost-effective way to reach the caves, followed by a manageable walk or a short shuttle ride. Reddit+1 Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money, as on-site options might be pricier.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Frasassi Caves offer incredible opportunities for photographers. The dramatic scale of chambers like the Abisso Ancona and the intricate details of stalactites and stalagmites provide endless visual inspiration. TikTokInstagram+1 While photography is permitted, remember to disable your flash to protect the delicate cave environment and ensure the best viewing experience for everyone. TikTok Using a smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with a wide-angle lens will help capture the grandeur of these underground landscapes. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geological Marvel of Frasassi

The Frasassi Caves are a spectacular karst cave system located in the Marche region of Italy. Discovered relatively recently in 1971, these caves are a testament to millions of years of geological activity. The immense chambers, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, were formed by the slow, persistent action of water dissolving limestone over an estimated 1.4 million years. Instagram+1 This natural process has sculpted a breathtaking underground world, making the Frasassi Caves one of the largest and most impressive cave systems in Europe. Instagram+1

The sheer scale of the caves is astonishing. The Abisso Ancona, the largest chamber, is so immense that it could comfortably house the entire Duomo of Milan. Instagram Other notable formations include the delicate 'Room of Candles' and various stalagmites that have been given whimsical nicknames by explorers. Instagram The guided tours, led by knowledgeable guides, bring these geological wonders to life, explaining the formation processes and the unique characteristics of each chamber. Reddit

Visitors often express awe at the natural artistry on display. The interplay of light and shadow across the mineral formations creates a truly magical and otherworldly atmosphere. Instagram+1 The discovery of these caves in the 1970s opened up a new chapter in understanding Italy's subterranean landscapes, offering a unique glimpse into the planet's ancient history. Instagram

Experiencing the Frasassi Caves: Tours and Accessibility

Exploring the Frasassi Caves is primarily done through guided tours, which are mandatory for all visitors. These tours are designed to showcase the most spectacular parts of the cave system and provide historical and geological context. Tours are offered in multiple languages, including English, and guides are frequently praised for their engaging personalities and extensive knowledge. Reddit+1 The typical tour lasts around 75 minutes, allowing ample time to appreciate the vast chambers and intricate formations. TikTok

While the caves are a natural wonder, accessibility is a consideration. The path inside the caves involves numerous stairs, making it less suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues or those who find climbing challenging. Reddit However, a shuttle bus service operates from the ticket office to the cave entrance, and the walk from the train station to the ticket office is manageable, approximately 1 km. Reddit+1 Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes due to the uneven terrain and stairs. Reddit

Tips from visitors suggest booking tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure a preferred tour time and avoid potential queues. Reddit Some reviewers have noted that tour groups can be quite large, which might impact the intimacy of the experience. Reddit Despite these minor points, the overwhelming sentiment is that the Frasassi Caves offer an unforgettable and breathtaking experience for most visitors. InstagramReddit

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