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The Frasassi Caves & the Temple in a Cavern

Temple of Valadier by Jim DeLutes

Maria really doesn't like caves, so it took some arm-twisting to get her to visit. Eventually I convinced her that a few days at the wonderful Raffaello Residence (click here for more) would do her the world of good. The Raffaello Residence is pure peace—a haven tucked among rolling hills and storybook villages. It’s the kind of place that gently pulls you out of the rush of everyday life and wraps you in quiet beauty. Honestly, I love it every bit as much as Maria does.

Anyway, even if we didn't go into the caves, the countryside around here is so beautiful that it is worth coming just for that. That's the way I explained it, and it clinched the deal. A week later, we were off.

I first visited over twenty years ago, and the sight of the temple inside the caves is something I'll never forget. It was one of those places I always swore I would return to someday. And I've kept to that, returning here often.

To say it is amazing, incredible, or any other adjective is a complete understatement. The best thing is to look at the great photo by Jim DeLutes at the top of this page to get an idea. Actually, all the photos on the page are by Jim.

I'll get to the temple in a moment, but let's start with the caves...

Inside the Frasassi Caves

First of all, if you're wondering where the caves are, there's a map at the bottom of the page. These are probably the best caves in Italy, and I've never seen so many stalactites and stalagmites in a cave. Maria, too, once I'd convinced her it was worth entering, was left speechless, and that rarely happens.

Now I have no idea how to describe a cave to you, so the best thing is to look at the photos.

Madonna di Frasassi and the Temple of Valadier

The Madonna di Frasassi: A Humble Sanctuary of Faith

Nestled against the side of the cliff, at the entrance of the cavern containing the Temple of Valadier, is the older Madonna di Frasassi—a tiny stone hermitage from the 11th century. It’s simple, humble, and deeply spiritual. Its walls, seemingly a part of the very cliff itself, exude a sense of quiet reverence. Step inside, and you'll feel a deep connection to the divine.

The Temple of Valadier: Where Nature and Faith Converge

The moment you step into the cavern and see the Temple of Valadier, it’s hard not to just stop and stare. Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how breathtaking it would be. There, tucked inside this vast cave, is a neoclassical church—elegant, glowing softly in the filtered light, and completely unexpected in such a wild, rugged setting.

It was commissioned by Pope Leo XII, and the architect behind it was none other than Giuseppe Valadier. Together, they dreamed up something extraordinary: a temple where art, faith, and nature could meet in perfect harmony.

It’s not just a place you visit—it’s one you feel. And it’s one of those corners of Italy that stays with you, long after you’ve left.

Abbazia di San Vittore alle Chiuse

If you are visiting the caves, don't miss the very special Abbazia di San Vittore alle Chiuse, a Romanesque-style church built in the 11th century. surrounded by mountains and breathtakingly beautiful.

The Abbazia is just a short walk before you reach the Frasassi Caves—if you're coming from the direction of Genga, you’ll pass right by it. It’s one of those places that looks like it’s grown out of the landscape itself: a compact, beautifully preserved Romanesque abbey dating back to the 11th century, framed by cliffs and greenery.

If you’re arriving from the opposite direction or happen to miss it, don’t worry—everyone at the caves is more than happy to point you the right way. The abbey is just a few minutes away on foot, and it's absolutely worth the short detour.

You walk in expecting... I don't know, really, but the huge columns stretching skyward and the white and rose stone bathed in a golden light were way beyond my expectations. The photo below shows what I mean.