Frasassi Caves, Show cave system in Genga, Italy
The Frasassi Caves are a show cave system in the municipality of Genga, in the Marche region of Italy, made up of large limestone chambers and connecting passages. Stalactites hang from the ceilings, stalagmites rise from the floors, and underground streams still run through parts of the system.
On September 25, 1971, a group of speleologists from Ancona led by Giancarlo Cappanera discovered the cave system after it had remained hidden for millions of years. Public access was organized just three years later, and guided tours have been running through the chambers ever since.
The name Frasassi comes from frassum, a medieval Latin word describing shattered or broken rock that refers to the outer gorge. Visitors walk through the rocky valley and past steep walls outside before entering through artificial tunnels that lead into the underground network.
The caves stay at around 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year, so a warm layer is worth bringing regardless of the season. The paths run through lit chambers and passages, and sturdy shoes make it easier to walk on the damp, uneven surfaces.
Scientists used these caves to run chronobiology experiments in which volunteers lived underground for extended periods without natural light to study human biological rhythms. The constant environment and the absence of any external time cues made this an unusual setting for such research.
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