Grotte di Frasassi, Genga

We farewelled Siena and picked up the hire car this morning, and hit the road once again. This time we had an automatic car so it was a bit easier. We are still very confused about the speed limits in Italy as no-one seems to obey them, especially where there are roadworks taking place. The 40km zones meant nothing to the Italian drivers and we often held them up by adhering to the speed limits. We did not want to arrive home to heaps of speeding tickets.

We made our way to Genga today, 50 kilometres from Ancona, the capital of Le Marche. On the agenda today was a visit to the Grotte di Frasassi, the Frasassi Caves, one of the largest subterranean cave systems in Europe. The caves were discovered in 1971 and have been open to public since 1974. While more than 18 kilometres of the caves have been explored, just 1 kilometre is open for a guided public tour–a fairly easy walk, with stairs and ramps built around the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Strategic lighting highlights some of the most spectacular formations, which take various forms and shapes. There are formations that resemble the Grand Canyon, the Niagara Falls, the leaning tower of Pisa, various animals and more. The main cavern is massive; apparently it can fit the entire Cathedral of Milan, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world! Further inside, there’s a cave whose floor is covered with small stalagmites, giving the impression that there are hundreds of candles. At some points the limestone formations hanging from the roof of the cave are so thin that they look like delicate sheets or veils.

We were very lucky once again that there were only four other people on our English speaking tour so we really got to enjoy the caves without being overcrowded. Unfortunately photos just don't do it justice, they don't convey the sheer size of the caves or the beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites, the way they glisten and shimmer. Photos don't show how crystal clear the water is and the way the stalagmites reflect upon their surface. This truly is a magical place and the best cave system we have ever seen. One of the highlights of our trips.Read more