With the latest heat wave, dubbed Lucipher, sweeping across Italy, and temperatures easily reaching 40°C in cities, you may want to look for some respite from the heat. Why not head underground to visit some of Italy’s most fascinating caves? Here are five to consider, from north to south and the islands. 

Grotte di Frasassi (Marche) One hour from Ancona, in Le Marche region, the Frasassi caves is Italy's largest cave complex. Dating as far back as 180 million years ago and extending for 35 km, this subterranean world of calcareous rock formations first opened to the public in 1974, and continues to attract curious visitors. The caves have an average humidity of 90% and a steady temperature of 14°C.