The Grotta di frà Gentile is an impressive karst sinkhole . It has two large natural openings and a majestic entrance that leads to a deep underground environment, shaped over the centuries by the tireless force of water . The internal walls, smoothed by millennia of erosion, show suggestive rock formations that testify to the geological evolution of this part of the territory. According to some local sources, the cave owes its name to the bandit frà Gentile , a figure shrouded in mystery, who chose these cavities as a hiding place during periods of fugitiveness. Even today, the legendary aura around the bandit makes the visit even more fascinating, as one can perceive the presence of ancient stories, handed down from generation to generation. Anyone who ventures inside, even just in the most accessible part, has the opportunity to closely observe the traces left by the water, which over time has dug out tunnels, passages and environments full of charm.
An accessible path between nature and history
Do you want to reach the mouth of the Grotta di frà Gentile ? Follow a marked path that goes slightly downhill . The starting point is near a picnic area, about seven kilometers from the town of Sant’Angelo a Fasanella . The entire itinerary, there and back, is just over four and a half kilometers long, with a difference in altitude of only 133 meters , making it suitable even for those who are not particularly experienced in hiking. However, it is important to pay attention to the last stretch, as you need to climb a short rocky ridge , not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. No specific technical skills are required, but you will need to help yourself with your hands and, when going down, sometimes even with your bottom . Once you have passed this passage, you enter the inside of the cave , where the damp walls and rock formations tell ancient stories. An immersive adventure between nature and history, which recalls the ancient events of the legendary frà Gentile.
