Ciao, the calm and the restless!
Although we’re currently busy with paperwork and settling into our new life in Italy, we try to spend our weekends outdoors, exploring the beauty and diversity this country has to offer. Our weekend mornings usually begin with the question: “Where are we going?” Then we look for places within an hour’s drive from our home in Valfabbrica, jump in the car, and off we go!
Before setting off anywhere, I definitely recommend checking reviews and confirming that Google Maps doesn’t show “permanently closed.” One time, we drove to a small zoo—the walk was lovely, until the road just… ended. To this day, I’m still not sure whether the navigation took us to the wrong side if the place simply no longer exists.
But this time – something breathtakingly beautiful. So beautiful, it’s hard to put into words.
Grotte di Frasassi
This time, we visited the Grotte di Frasassi – one of the most impressive cave systems in Italy, located in the Marche region. We had seen a few photos on Google, and it looked like our kind of destination. As we arrived, we were surrounded by a vast mountain valley with views too grand to truly capture in a photo.
We entered the caves with no big expectations, but this is definitely a place that should be on your travel list if you’re in the Marche region or anywhere in central Italy.
A Little Bit of History – Briefly
As our guide explained, the cave system was discovered in 1971 by a group of young men who noticed a crack in the mountainside. With minimal gear, they climbed inside and uncovered an underground world. And that’s exactly what it looks like – a world of its own. The caves were later explored further and eventually became known as one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Europe. To make them accessible, a man-made tunnel and safe walkways were created. Frasassi has been open to the public since 1974.
Our Impressions
The enormous stalactites (the ones hanging from the ceiling like icicles) and stalagmites (rising from the ground like tall wax candles) were truly impressive. Inside the caves, you completely lose your sense of space, so it’s hard to grasp the actual size – only when looking into the distance do you start to realize just how massive it all is.
The temperature inside is a constant 14°C year-round. Most tourists come prepared with jackets and sweaters – we had towels. We found out about the temperature halfway there. But honestly, if you’re from Latvia, 14 degrees feels just fine.
Our guide was knowledgeable but also quite fast-paced and strict. Naturally, I wanted to capture everything on camera, but photography is only allowed from specific platforms. Photos on the stairs are not allowed. And trust me — if you forget, the guide’s flashlight and “Signora It’s forbidden!” will remind you fast. I accidentally tried once. Didn’t risk it again.
Tours are only available with a guide, and ours was definitely in a rush. We passed by some of the most beautiful spots quite quickly – I tried to snap a few photos, but at times it was hard to both enjoy the beauty and document it. Still, even the rush and the rules added to the adventure and that unmistakable feeling of being in Italy.
The Surroundings
The nature around Frasassi is simply stunning. Just nearby is a small mountain river, where you can wade, watch enormous carp, or just cool off. There’s also a climbing park for kids (which we didn’t manage to try this time). We definitely took advantage of the river to cool down. Side note – we always try to bring swimwear with us, since our town doesn’t have a proper swimming spot, and we use every chance we get to dive in somewhere.
We grabbed a bite at the café near the park – they offered sandwiches and drinks. But there are also some really beautiful picnic areas, and I honestly regretted not being prepared for that. Next time, we’re bringing a basket!
Next Chapters
I’ll definitely keep sharing about beautiful and interesting (and sometimes just beautiful or just interesting) places we explore. And of course – about what to eat when it feels there’s nothing to eat… because here, most people don’t start dinner until after 7 p.m.
New chapter, same heart –
Linda
