Cantinone
Cantinone’s caves wind for a stretch about 300 metres under the market place of the city and the Sanctuary of St. Joseph of Cupertino.
Just climbed down, you will be fascinated to see the signs of man’s work in the friable sandstone walls. The rudimentary digging tools used suggest a widening of the galleries during the Middle Ages, but their origin could be much older and date back to the Romans and the Piceni, as suggested by the ancient wells with pedarole.
In the crossroads we can feel a little bit disoriented, but in the past the principal goal was to dissuade and to disperse enemies in case of emergency. Don’t worry: the tour leader will show you a little trick to get it right road!
The low-reliefs and pictures you can admire in the Cantinone’s Caves are mostly about religion and express a ritual use of cult. It is probably here, in fact, that friars came down to pray or to stay alone in the absolute silence, far away from the noise of the city. The symbolism, easy to recognize, and the walking in only one floor makes the visit suitable for everyone.
Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday with guided tours at the following times:
10:15 AM, 11:45 AM, 4:15 PM, 5:45 PM.
By appointment for group visits, tours can also be arranged at other times and in other languages.
Open on public holidays and the day before public holidays. During the months of July, August, and the first half of September, additional access times to the caves are available. Hours: 10:00 - 11:15 - 12:30 - 15:15 - 16:30 - 18:00.
Closed on December 25th, January 1st, and in the afternoons of December 24th and December 31st.
Upon request for groups of at least 8 paying individuals, the "TOUR Heart/Earth of the CAVE. Journey into the depths" is available, including a visit to the three caves of Cantinone, Piazza Dante, and Riccioni. The cost is €10 per person. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.
For information and reservations, please contact (+39)800228800 / iat@osimoturismo.it.
