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Make for the plunging Frasassi Gorge for a "journey to the centre of the Earth" through the Grotte di Frasassi, one of Italy's largest and
most famous complex of caves. An ideal jaunt for a rainy day.
Some 13 km of limestone caverns have so far been explored and it is reckoned that they may run for up to 35 km. Only one and a half km of this crystalline
wonderland is open to the general public. Equipped with walkways and theatrical lighting, it includes the awesome Grotta Grande del Vento, Europe's largest
single cavern, so vast that Milan Cathedral would fit comfortably inside, and some of the most extravagantly fanciful stalagmites and stalactites you are ever likely to
see. Even claustrophobics shouldn't find it too challenging.
The guided tour lasts for around an hour; dress up warmly as the temperature inside is a constantly low 14
degrees C. Be warned that it can get quite crowded in high summer.
The admission charge is not cheap but is well worth it. For information visit the Frasassi website.
Even if you don't have time to see the caves, stop to admire the splendid backdrop of the Frasassi Gorge and
the Romanesque church in the little spa of San Vittore delle Chiuse. This tiny, perfectly square chiesetta was built in the 12thC on chastely simple lines and is one of
the prettiest of its kind in the Marche.
Further up the gorge towards Genga, climb up to see the remarkable travertine-faced, octagonal church (photo below) built by the celebrated 18thC Roman
architect Giuseppe Valadier in a cavern high up on the rock face of the Frasassi Gorge.
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