Answer first: Genga is the base for the caves. Pair the cave visit with the free abbey of San Vittore alle Chiuse, an 11th-century Romanesque church near the ticket office.
The village
Genga is in the province of Ancona, Marche, at 320 m, on 72 km2, with 1,984 inhabitants in 2008 (Wikipedia). Pope Leo XII was born here, which is why the Valadier temple dates to his papacy.
San Vittore alle Chiuse
The abbey is a Romanesque building of the 11th century (italia.it, Wikipedia). Hours conflict: one source says 9-19, another 9:30-18. Entry is free. Treat the hours as unknown and check locally.
Museums
The San Vittore Museum and the Genga Museum are included with the cave ticket (frasassi.com). They are open 11-14 and 15-18, and closed on 4 Dec, 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 10-30 Jan. The Genga museum has the Gengasaurus, an ichthyosaur found in 1976.
Staying here
Genga has a few hotels and is the closest base. See where to stay.
Combine it with the Temple of Valadier and the tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is the San Vittore abbey free?
Yes, it is listed as free. Sources disagree on opening hours (9-19 versus 9:30-18), so check before you go.
What is in the Genga museum?
The Genga museum shows the Gengasaurus, an ichthyosaur found in 1976 (Wikipedia). It is included with the cave ticket.
How many people live in Genga?
1,984 in 2008 (Wikipedia).
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