Discover the wonderful caves in Abruzzo
The caves of Stiffe, in Abruzzo, near L’Aquila should definitely be visited because they are one of the most interesting tourist attractions in the region. This complex of rocks has the peculiarity of being an active resurgence, that is, there is an underground river that then emerges on the surface.
This wonderful place can be discovered through a guided tour that will lead tourists on a path of one kilometer inside the caves. In this way you can visit the different spaces inside and you can discover this natural wonder that will leave you literally speechless for the limestone buildings and the underground water features.
The history of Stiffe caves
The caves have been known by the locals for a long time as evidenced by the remains found dating back to the Neolithic. They only became famous in the early 1900s. The presence of a stream inside the caves led the Marquis Alfonso Cappelli to build a hydroelectric plant.
This was destroyed during World War II. After the final demolition of the plant, the first explorations of the caves began until their final tourist development in the 1990s. In fact, in 1991 the first section of the route was opened.
Over the next few years other explorations allowed us to go deep into the rock formation. In 2000 the route was definitely expanded allowing visitors to walk a kilometer inside the caves safely and enjoying the underground symphony of stalagtites and stalagmites as well as the spectacle of underground waterfalls.
Foto : grottedistiffeofficial
Stiffe Caves: here’s what to see
The caves of Stiffe are a wonderful place to visit thanks to the tourist route of one kilometer that allows you to enter the rocky complex. One important thing to know is that visits only take place with a guide.
As soon as you enter the caves the first room you meet is called the Room of Silence. The name derives from the fact that at this point the stream is low and therefore the noise is more attenuated than in other areas. Continuing the route you reach the Sala della Cascata where there is a waterfall of 30 meters.
The Hall of the Concretion and Black Lake. Here you can admire an expanse of black water. Finally, the route ends in the Sala dell’Ultima Cascata which is the area open to the public most recently. Here there is a waterfall of 25 meters that ends in a pond 5 meters deep.
What to see near the caves of Stiffe?
Nearby the caves of Stiffe is another very interesting place to visit. This is the small village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio that has a historical and architectural heritage to discover. The fortified village of medieval origin is perfectly preserved and is located at 1200 meters above sea level set within the mountains of Abruzzo. Here you can enjoy a truly unique natural spectacle.
Another must-see location in the surroundings of the Stiffe caves is Lake Sinizzo which is located just outside the town of San Demetrio Ne’ Vestini. Its waters have an emerald green color and is fed by two sources of drinking water.
Not far away are the remains of the Roman city of Peltinium. This was founded by the Romans between the first century B.C. and the first century A.D. In those times the city had an important political and economic role due to its particular strategic position.
Today you can see only some parts of the walls. Observing the remains of the past with the Gran Sasso in the background is a very suggestive and not to be missed. Here you can explore the ancient history of Abruzzo.
Foto: grottedistiffeofficial
Stiffe Caves: where are they located?
The caves of Stiffe are a wonderful complex of Caucasian rocks that is located in Abruzzo within the Regional Park Sirente-Velino. The caves are a unique example of its kind in Italy and are one of the most interesting tourist attractions to visit in Abruzzo.
Their formation occurred thousands of years ago thanks to the flow of water from the Plateau of the Two Fortresses. They are located in the territory of the municipality of San Demetrio né Vestini located thirty minutes away from L’Aquila and an hour and a half from Pescara. This tourist attraction among the most important of Abruzzo is easily accessible from all major cities of central Italy.
For those coming from Rome, take the A24 motorway and exit at l’Aquila. Then continue on the SS7 towards San Demetrio. For those arriving from the north, take the A14 motorway to Teramo and continue on the A24 to L’Aquila. Finally, with the SS7 you reach your destination.
Copertina: grottestiffe
