Official Information
Official site: https://www.frasassi.com/
Online Tickets: https://tickets.frasassi.com/webshop/webticket/timeslot
Ticket office area: Località La Cuna, 60040 Genga (AN), Italy; caves near the hamlet of San Vittore di Genga.
Map: View on Google Maps
Opening Hours
Frasassi Caves are open year round except for a few holidays, with guided visits at fixed times. Schedules differ between high and low season; tours generally run from morning into late afternoon. Tickets can be purchased online for specific time slots, which is strongly advised in high season and on weekends.
The Frasassi Caves form one of Europe’s most impressive karst cave systems and are among Italy’s most famous show caves. Discovered in the 1970s, the underground complex extends for more than 30 km, but about 1.5 km is equipped for guided tourist visits. After a short shuttle bus ride from the ticket office to the entrance tunnel, visitors descend into the first enormous chamber, the Abisso Ancona, whose dimensions are so vast that whole cathedrals could fit inside. From there, a well lit path leads through a sequence of caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and delicate crystal formations. Guides explain the geology, the discovery of the caves and the meaning of evocative nicknames given to particular formations, such as organ pipes, frozen waterfalls or fairy castles. The temperature is a constant cool 14°C (57°F) with high humidity, so warm layers and non slip footwear are recommended even in summer. Standard tours last around 75 minutes and are suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility, as the paths are paved and equipped with handrails. On specific dates and by prior reservation, there are also more adventurous ‘speleo adventure’ routes for visitors wanting a taste of real caving. Photography is generally allowed without flash, and there are designated points where groups stop for photos. Tickets are sold for timed entries via the official website and at the on site ticket office; in peak season it is wise to book in advance to secure your preferred slot and avoid queues. The caves are easily combined with a visit to the Romanesque abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse nearby or to hill towns in the Marche Apennines. As a paid natural attraction, Frasassi offers a dramatic counterpoint to Italy’s above ground art cities.