Within the Sirente-Velino Regional Nature Park lie the stunning Stiffe Caves, a complex of karst caves that constitute a natural site not to be missed during a stay in Abruzzo. Located in the territory of the municipality of San Demetrio ne’ Vestini, just a few kilometres from the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, the caves are famous for arising at an “active resurgence”—the point where a river emerges above ground after flowing through an underground section. Due to this particular configuration, the Stiffe Caves represent a unique example in Italy.
The caves formed thousands of years ago thanks to the flow of waters from the Two Rocks Plateau that converge into a system of sinkholes and swallows stretching approximately 3 km, then resurface near the Stiffe Outlet. This complex was discovered in the 1950s and a first route opened to the public only in the early 1990s. Now it’s possible to undertake a route of almost a kilometre through stalactites, stalagmites, underground lakes, waterfalls and narrow passages.
Brimming with charm and mystery, the Stiffe Caves represent a stop of great interest for both adults and children. The tourist route inside the caves extends for just over 700 metres and is undertaken with a guide. Among the first cavities that can be visited at the site is the Hall of Silence, whose name derives from the fact that in this area the river tends to dry up and so the sound of its flow diminishes. Continuing along the route, you visit the Hall of the Waterfall where you’ll find a first waterfall with a drop of approximately 30 metres.
Beyond this area you arrive at the Hall of Concretion and Black Lake, where you can admire a stretch of black-coloured water, and then the Hall of the Last Waterfall. This is an area that has recently been opened to the public and features a waterfall that after a drop of 25 metres flows into a small lake about 5 metres deep.
Near the caves is the Speleology Museum named after Vincenzo Rivera, who was the first rector of the University of L’Aquila. This museum houses archaeological finds discovered in the area, such as the intact skeleton of a prehistoric cave bear (Ursus Speleus), along with sections dedicated to palaeontology, mineralogy and geology.
The Stiffe Caves are open every day with the following hours:
Tickets for the Stiffe Caves cost:
Free entry is permitted for children under 6, disabled visitors including one companion, disabled persons with 100% disability including one companion, and residents of San Demetrio ne’ Vestini municipality. Tickets include a guided tour of approximately one hour and a protective helmet. Suitable clothing is recommended.
The Stiffe Caves are easily reached by car from the main cities of central Italy. Those coming from the north can first take the A14 towards Ancona until reaching the Teramo/Giulianova/Mosciano exit. From there it’s necessary to take the A24 to the L’Aquila East exit and then the SS7 towards San Demetrio ne’ Vestini. Those arriving from L’Aquila should first take the SS17 towards Pescara and then the SS261 to San Demetrio ne’ Vestini. Finally, those coming from Rome should take the A24 to the L’Aquila East toll booth and then the SS7.
The small municipality of San Demetrio ne’ Vestini offers limited accommodation options for staying close to the caves. Alternatively, you can find more facilities in nearby locations such as Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca di Cambio or L’Aquila.
The Stiffe Caves have been known to the local population for a very long time, so much so that remains dating to the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age have been found inside them, though their promotion as a tourist site only began in the twentieth century. The presence of an important watercourse within this complex led the Marquis Alfonso Cappelli to decide in 1907 to build a hydroelectric power station here, the remains of which can still be admired today.
In the 1950s, with the demolition of the power station, the first exploration activities began, and after several expeditions, overcoming waterfalls and very challenging passages, the heart of the cavern was reached. Only in the 1990s, however, did the tourist development of the site begin, with a first short route opened to the public in 1991. A few years later, a team of Italian and French speleologists succeeded in accessing other areas that had previously been unexplored beyond the first waterfall. Thus, in the 2000s, work was undertaken to extend the tourist route, opening the itinerary to the public up to the second waterfall.
The Stiffe Caves are located near the town of San Demetrio ne' Vestini within the Sirente-Velino National Park. The caves lie 20 km from L'Aquila, 90 km from Pescara and 140 km from Rome.
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