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.
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