Pastena Caves, Natural karst cave system in Pastena, Italy
Pastena Caves is a natural karst cave system in the province of Frosinone, stretching approximately 900 meters with both active and inactive geological formations. The caverns contain multiple chambers decorated with stalactites and stalagmites of varying sizes and ages.
The caves were discovered by Carlo Franchetti in 1926 and opened to the public as a tourist destination the following year. This early development made them one of the first show caves in the region.
The caves have served as a film set for Italian cinema, attracting directors seeking dramatic underground backdrops. Such use reflects how the location appeals to creative professionals looking for distinctive natural settings.
The caves are open daily with guided tours lasting about one hour and covering roughly 1,100 meters of passages. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven in places, and humidity levels remain high throughout.
The cave system contains an underground river whose water level fluctuates with the seasons, particularly rising during winter rains. This natural water activity continuously reshapes the cave environment and reveals ongoing geological processes beneath the surface.
Location: Pastena
Website: http://grottedipastena.it
GPS coordinates: 41.49688,13.48942
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Italy holds some of Europe's most remarkable underground and seaside dwellings formed by nature over thousands of years. These homes exist in caves carved from limestone, hidden within cliffs overlooking the sea, and tucked into ancient rock shelters where people once sought protection and safety....
Castle of Fondi
16.3 km
Fregellae
6.1 km
Abbey of San Magno, Fondi
15.9 km
Castello dei Conti d'Aquino
16.1 km
Castello di Monte San Giovanni Campano
16.1 km
San Pietro
16.3 km
Santuario della Madonna della Rocca
17.3 km
Monumento naturale Grotte di Falvaterra e Rio Obaco
1.8 km
Santa Maria in Piazza
16.2 km
San Pietro Ispano church, Boville Ernica
16.4 km
Co-Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, Pontecorvo
15.5 km
San Francesco
16.4 km
Arch of Mark Antony
17.7 km
Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo
12.3 km
Torre di Sant'Eleuterio
12.4 km
San Pietro d'Arenula
16 km
Roman baths of Fondi
16.3 km
Palazzo Doria
16.3 km
Monte Appiolo
9.6 km
Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata
15.9 km
Monte Calvo
15.3 km
Santa Maria a Fiume
15 km
Museo civico di Fondi
16.3 km
Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo
16.7 km
Santo Stefano
14.9 km
Museo dell'Energia di Ripi
13.7 km
Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo
12.3 km
Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia
5.2 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes