The caves of Falvaterra and Castro dei Volsci- Caving Adventure and Tour

The caves of Falvaterra  and beautifull Castro dei Volsci

The undergound river

The route of the Caves of Falvaterra, one of the longest in the Lazio Region and central Italy, is articulated with a passage from active areas rich in water, with waterfalls and rapids, dominated by white concretions, to quieter areas, partly fossil, with gorges, lakes with stalactites that adorn the walls and ceiling of the cave. Interesting are the hypogeal animals, from the small beetles, to the dolicopods up to the typical bats belonging to various species.

Recently, transparent crustacean species belonging to the genus Niphargus have been found, which have been studied by the University of Tor Vergata in Rome.

The active part connects directly with the famous caves of Pastena, after a path of about 2. 5 km.

Caving & Canyoning

The visit to an active cave, unique in the Lazio region and probably in the whole of Italy, is easily practicable by all those who have a minimum of athletic agility;

Route A (Blue) : The giants'; potholes, The waterfall, The rapid, The beach hall, Moby Dick, The abandoned meanders. Duration: about 2 to 3  hours.

The visit will last a few hours and will require a minimum of compulsory equipment (provided by the group Speleo Tourism) because you will walk in water with a temperature of around 14 ° C and between the rocks of the underground river:

1) shoes suitable for walking in water and on rock;

2. neoprene socks or long terry socks;

3. wetsuit or half wetsuit;

4) costume preferably;

5) towels and slippers;

6) Spare clothes; ( provided by you )

7) Lights, batteries and helmet;

8) Life jacket.

This route is also suitable for children from 9 years old and up.

 

Castro dei Volsci: one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

 

Castro dei Volsci is an Italian town of 4,849 inhabitants in the province of Frosinone. Birthplace of the actor Nino Manfredi (it is possible to visit the permanent exhibition dedicated to him) and of the dialectologist and philologist Carlo Vignoli.

 

A small pearl in the heart of the Ciociaria: Castro joined, in fact, in 2016, the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Here, you will find a relaxing atmosphere, good food and a beautiful panorama. Castro dei Volsci is called, in fact, the Balcony of the Ciociaria you can experience this yourself  by visiting the Fortress of the Colonnese (contemplating the Valley of the Sacco from a perfect angle: a view that goes from Olevano Romano to Montecassino), at the foot of the Monument to Mother Ciociara. Inaugurated in 1964 and erected in memory of the  women raped in 1944, during the Second World War. The composition of the sculpture was inspired by a woman from the village who protected her daughters until her death.

Of considerable historical interest is the Church of St. Nicholas, inventoried among the possessions of the Diocese of Verolana, dated September 4, 1108 and main historical monument of Castro dei Volsci . This church preserves important traces of frescoes, some contemporary to its construction, when more than a church it served as  a modest oratory. The original nucleus of the present church was built in the mid-sixth century AD. Also: the Clock Tower, the entire walk through the ancient and characteristic streets of the historic center with a stop in the other churches of the village ;the Villa Romana,  and the ancient walls of Montenero.

Recently the cultural association  “ La scarana “ based in Castro opend up a varierty of little shops where the works of the local artists can be viewed and bought. Some realy interesting and beautiful pieces  ranging from jewelry to pottery to typical embroidery and fabric as well as local wine , cheese and dried spiced sausages.( with orange peel ). Important to notice here is in particular   the handmade jewelery localy produced and exact replica of the ancient ornaments,  earrings made famous by the Balie Ciociare  covered with many meanings well-wished or magical-religious. They've always accompanied men and women through the most important stages of life.

 

Castro offers several reasons to decide to spend a relaxing yet informative  day out of town, in a beautiful setting.