Grotta dei Frati: how to get there and trails

Where the Grotta dei Frati is

The cave lies in the territory of Fiastra. It opens in the valley of the Fiastrone stream, which ends with Lago di Fiastra and the Lame Rosse. Although it falls within Fiastra, it is easily reached from Cessapalombo. Around the Gole del Fiastrone, squeezed between high walls, are hidden crevices and caves once used by people as shelters.

How to get to the Grotta dei Frati

The cave can only be reached on foot. The simplest starting point is the hamlet of Villa di Cessapalombo. From there, a wide dirt road open to cars comes first. The road ends at a parking area, where the car is left and the walk continues on an easy-to-follow trail.

A second access starts from Monastero di Cessapalombo. Here you leave the main road and go down toward the cemetery, where there is parking. From the lake side, the walk starts near the dam of Lago di Fiastra or from the locality of Ruffella, near Fiegni.

Trails and hikes to the Grotta dei Frati

The route from Villa is classified as easy. It takes about 90 minutes out and the same back, on a woodland trail. Along the way there are two branches: one goes down to the stream toward the gorge, the other climbs toward the Lame Rosse. This trail is suitable for the whole family.

Starting from the Lame Rosse means a different route. From the lower part of the Lame Rosse a steep trail reaches the cave in about an hour. It is recommended only for experienced hikers. From the parking lot at the lake's panoramic terrace there is also a longer and more tiring loop that takes several hours of walking.

Access to the Gole del Fiastrone is banned by ordinance of the Municipality of Fiastra, and the other trails in the area are also subject to ordinances, so it is wise to check their status before leaving. Beyond the cave the trail continues toward another cavity. It narrows to about 70 cm, with a drop on one side and a handrail, and is not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo.

When to visit the Grotta dei Frati

On the Monastero side the trail crosses a shady holm oak wood, halfway up the southern slope of Monte Fiegni. Comfortable clothing and hiking shoes are needed. Check the weather before setting out.

What to see near the Grotta dei Frati

The Lame Rosse are pinnacles and towers of gravel, clay and silt, shaped by erosion. They can be reached from the cave trail, as can Lago di Fiastra. Just before the ravines, a trail on the left leads to the grotte delle capre (the goats' caves).

To compare other caves in the area, see the page on the caves of the Sibillini Mountains. There is also the Grotta della Sibilla: how to get there and trails.