Today I went on an adventure into the subterranean complex of the Frasassi Caves. They extend for 30 km on 8 geological levels and is one of the largest and most fascinating subterranean routes in the world. Beginning with the mixture of bicarbonate water from the Sentino River and the mineral sulfurous water coming from below, this formed the magic world of the Frasassi Caves. A scenery rich in carved stalactites and stalagmites, small lakes of crystal-clear water and suggestive alabaster spears. The singular karst environment constitutes a delicate and unique subterranean ecosystem which is constantly monitored by the Frasassi Consortium together with researchers throughout the world.
Only 46 years ago on September 27, 1971, some young men were out hiking on a hot windless day when they noticed a bush moving. Thinking it was an animal they went to investigate and realized it was a slight breeze coming from a tiny opening in the ground. They began digging around the opening to make it bigger and discovered a type of tunnel with a hole at the end, they dropped a stone and counted 5 seconds before they heard it hit anything, this was an indication that what was to be discovered was big. Thus was discovered the first room called “Abyss Ancona”
When visiting the caves first you park your car, then get in line to buy your tickets to see the caves on a guided tour, today we had no line, woohoo! Then while waiting for your bus to take you up to the entrance you can get something to eat. The tour is a walk of about 1 hour and 15 minutes accessible to everybody at a temperature of 14 degrees constant all the year round.
The waiting area, where you can have local dishes and a cold drink or just use the restroom before your tour.
Once we arrive we are sectioned off according to what language tour we will receive. Then we are taken into the mountain. The walk is a few minutes, it’s cold and damp but really exciting.
These are the different rooms we can visit, well actually we will only visit 1,2,3 & 4. The other rooms are for more complex tours.
The map, we actually only go to the first part of the green area.
THE GIANTS. In the middle of the hall the group of millenary stalagmites called “the giants” dominates. Considering the diameter (from 2 mt to 5 mt) and the height (from 1,50 mt to 20 mt), they are certainly the most impressive stalagmites of the cave.
This particular giant is called Dante, because he has the profile of the famous Dante Alighieri
These rooms were huge, my photos don’t even do them justice.
This was named “Tissue Paper” because of how this stalactites is formed.
If you zoom into the middle the 3 stalagmites are called “The 3 dwarfs”.
Close up and personal, I want to touch it but it is not allowed. The oils from the human hand turns it black!
When this room was discovered the researchers were scared half out of their minds!!! Thinking there was a witch in there with them. It is just the shadow of a stalagmite formation.
Stalactites just hanging and dripping, forever forming.
up close it seems like wax
The room of candles. this room is amazing even on the water it looks as if the wax is floating.
Looking down the path there is a hole, it’s a river with a light at the end.
Theses stalactites, looks like tissue paper and as almost as thin but much stronger.
I was just in awe.
Look there is another room down there.
Photo with a flash, just amazing all the movement in the formations.
I wandered away from the group and saw this.
The light behind these stalactites is just hypnotizing, looks like a camp-fire.
The room of candles.
I must say this was really a wonderful adventure to experience, especially on a very hot day.
Click here on Frasassi Caves for more information, I hope you enjoyed this post.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
© all photos taken by Issa 2017
Marche Magic 
wow! that would be an awesome experience to see.
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It truly is, this was the third time I have been and I am always amazed and impressed.
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Just beautiful. These are natural wonders you don’t see everyday 🙂
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So true, and they even found footprints of prehistoric times in the caves… truly amazing.
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Wow…
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wow wow wow Issa what a great article and stunning photos, well done you 🙂
As a caver who has spent more than 100 hours underground, and not in grand tour caves like this I can assure you this is much more civilised than our main complex under the desert where we have only explored 34 kms over 4 levels and there is always more …
Have missed you Issa, so glad you are still blogging 🙂
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WOW, back at-cha!!! exploring caves are exciting and even scary. A month ago we went exploring caves in southern Italy and we had to jump off the boat and swim into a small opening then into a cave to find a beach. I had to muster up lots of courage but it was well worth it.
I had family visiting for 5 weeks, they left yesterday, so I am back!!! 😊
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yes we have underwater caves here but it is far too deadly so never tried that one but have been into some sheer magic holes that most can never imagine … pure fairy lands of pristine crystal and humungeous lakes shimmering like billions of diamonds from the calcite deposit on the surface .. that was a long visit but you’ve been off air much longer than that 😦
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Sounds like magic! I am sure that Australia so much undiscovered parts that can take one to the beginning of time.
I have so much to explore still here…. I guess your right about my time but I did post under the blog “sometimes I leave the Marche” Thank you Kate for missing me, this helps to know that what I am doing is important and I must continue writing & exploring, it’s too easy to stop. Thank You again Kate for being the wonderful woman you are!
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ah shucks just being selfish as you have real talent and I miss your exploring and your monkey mind humour Issa … but life can get in the way 🙂
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true that!!!….😉
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Stunning! Absolutely stunning! I want to set house in there (despite the fact that the “witch” shadow would keep me up at night lol)
Wonderful article!
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hahhahahaha!!! I am glad you enjoyed it, means alot! xxoo
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