Looking for a hidden treasure in the Marche region? The Temple of Valadier, quietly tucked away in the cliffs, is a place full of charm, history, and breathtaking surroundings. Come with us to discover one of Marche’s most beautiful places!
The Temple of Valadier
Nestled deep in the Frasassi Gorge, inside a natural cave carved into the cliff face, lies the Temple of Valadier. This is one of the region’s best-kept secrets and a stunning highlight just a short walk from the famous Frasassi Caves.
The Temple of Valadier is an octagonal sanctuary built in 1828 by order of Pope Leo XII and designed by the architect Giuseppe Valadier.
It was constructed entirely from travertine stone, with a roof covered in lead.
The Natural Cave Setting
What makes the Temple of Valadier truly special, beyond its beauty, clean lines, and perfect geometry, is the natural setting that surrounds it. In fact, the sanctuary sits inside a vast cave high on the cliffside. Only when you reach the temple you realise just how big the Frasassi Gorge really is.
As a visitor, you are free to wander throughout the cave, even into the darker sections where sunlight no longer reaches. If you’re curious to explore a bit deeper, bring a light. While your phone could be enough, a proper headlight is recommended, and make sure to wear proper hiking shoes.
From inside the cave, the temple looks like it’s almost brushing the vaulted rock above it. It’s a surreal, almost dreamlike scene, one that’s guaranteed to surprise you the first time you step inside this hidden world.
Santa Maria infra Saxa Hermitage
Next to the temple of Valadier stands a much older hermitage, which dates back to around the 10th century. This is Santa Maria infra Saxa, and it was used by Benedictine nuns seeking isolation and prayer deep in the gorge. It’s one of the oldest spiritual sites in the area.
While the Temple of Valadier is elegant and perfectly geometric, the hermitage is simple, rough, and carved straight into the rock. Standing side by side, they show two completely different styles of devotion.
The hermitage adds a whole new layer to the visit. Its raw, no-frills vibe and quiet atmosphere make it feel genuinely ancient, and it’s such a cool contrast to the polished look of the temple.
How to Get to the Temple of Valadier
If you’re travelling by car, you can drive directly to the ticket office located at the starting point of the hike to the Temple of Valadier. You can find the exact location below:
There is a small parking area in front of the ticket office and another slightly larger parking area next to it. Parking is free of charge.
PLEASE NOTE: If you aren’t travelling by car or you happen not to find a spot at these parking areas, you can head to the ticket office located in San Vittore delle Chiuse. From here, a free shuttle bus service is available and it will take you to the starting point of the hike shown above.
You can reach the ticket office located in San Vittore delle Chiuse by train from most nearby towns.
Book your tickets on Trenitalia’s official website. Select “Genga-S. Vittore Terme” as your destination.
Hike to the Temple of Valadier
Once you reach the trailhead, all that’s left to do is hike up to the temple. The walk is short and easy, no special hiking gear or boots required.
The trail is about 700 meters long with a moderate incline and roughly 100 meters of elevation gain. It usually takes around 15 minutes to reach the temple, and the path is fully paved.
Tickets, Hours, and Practical Info
What used to be free for all, it’s not anymore. Since April 2023, the Temple of Valadier is now a paid tourist attraction and a regular ticket costs 6€.
You can purchase tickets on site. The temple’s opening hours are:
- October, November, December: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- April, May, June, September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- July and August: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Don’t try to visit outside opening hours. While the lower gate might look easy to get past, there’s another gate at the very top that is definitely not worth risking. Stick to the official opening times for your safety and to respect the site.
Here are two pictures of the two gates.
Tips for Visiting the Temple of Valadier
Best time to go
Summer is the busiest season, with more tourists and families, so if you prefer a quieter experience, spring or fall are ideal. We visited on a saturday in late November 2025 around 1:30–2:00 PM (lunch time for Italians) and practically had the temple to ourselves. Winter can also be magical, with crisp air and a peaceful atmosphere. If you can, prefer weekdays over weekends. Regardless, the Temple of Valadier is worth seeing year-round.
What to bring
- A light or your phone for exploring the darker corners of the cave
- Comfortable shoes for the short hike
- Water, especially in summer
Photography tips
- The soft light in the cave in the early morning creates a dramatic effect on the temple and rock walls
- Don’t forget to step back and capture the full view of the temple within the natural cave
- If your lens isn’t wide enough to capture the whole scene, take several overlapping shots and stitch them together later using a panorama tool.
Combine with nearby sights
The temple visit is typically combined with a trip to the Frasassi Caves. If you have more time and energy, consider adding a hike to the Foro degli Occhialoni for stunning views of the gorge.
Extra tip
Even a short stroll along the trail before or after visiting gives you incredible views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape — it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to soak it all in.
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our visit to the Temple of Valadier. Even though we had seen it in summer before, coming in late autumn felt truly special. The colorful foliage combined with the peaceful quiet of the temple at this time of day created a magical experience.
If you’re traveling through the Marche region, don’t miss the Temple of Valadier, it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth the visit.
