The evocative Grotte di Stiffe, near the borders of the Sirente Velino Natural Park, are located in the area of San Demetrio ne’ Vestini (AQ) and are significant to both biospeleology. and tourism. This is where the Rio Gamberale resurfaces: the river begins at Vado Pezza, travels the Altopiano delle Rocche and returns underground, swallowed up by Pozzo Caldaio (1,253m above sea level), to later reappear at 661m above sea level rushing through these caves for about 2,600m. The Grotte di Stiffe are accessed through a large opening in the mountain, just above the village. Inside are the Grotta dei Briganti, the Sala del Silenzio, the Sala della Concrezioni, Lago Nero, canyons, thick forests of stalactites and stalagmites, galleries, natural balconies, water courses, ponds and waterfalls, one with a 25+m drop. Much of the cave area has yet to be explored: the present route ventures in about 700m. The waterfall near the ticket office close to the entrance, surrounded by vegetation, is particularly stunning.
Film Commission d'Abruzzo
Centro Regionale Beni Culturali - Sulmona
Phone: + 39 0864 576303
Email: crbc@regione.abruzzo.it
