With our friends from Va Sentiero, we continue with the second week of our nature walk through the parks.
On the first day, we set off from Monte Livata and then continue towards L’Aquila, immersing ourselves in the biodiversity of the protected areas of the Lazio region and encountering numerous historic villages.
The first stop takes us to the village of Camerata Nuova, passing first through the Campo Secco plateau, famous for the film “They Call Me Trinity”, and then on to the ruins of Camerata Vecchia. The first stop takes us to the village of Camerata Nuova, passing first through the Campo Secco plateau, famous for the film “Lo chiamavano Trinità” (They called him Trinity), and then on to the ruins of Camerata Vecchia, abandoned in 1859 due to a fire.
It was 9 January 1859.
The story goes that at around 2 p.m., sparks flew from the chimney of Simone Pelosi’s house, which was inhabited at the time by Antonio Galeri’s family.
Carried by a strong wind blowing from Cappadocia, they reached the wooden roofs of nearby houses, causing the first outbreaks of fire.
In a short time, the fire, driven by the strong wind, spread throughout the village, and the attempts of the inhabitants of Camerata and the local gendarmerie to extinguish the flames were in vain.
On the second day, with our friends from “Va sentiero” and numerous participants from all over Italy, our destination is the Roman village of Cineto, where the Orsini Castle stands. Built in the 11th century, it was originally called Castello della Scarpa, an ancient place name linked to the village and perhaps to a tribe called “Scaptia”.
Before entering the village, we cross the Rioscuro stream, dominated by a wonderful waterfall that is now a natural monument of the Lazio region.
The next day, we set off again to enter the Monti Lucretili Regional Nature Park, heading towards the Fraturno and Maraone lakes, before reaching the village of Percile, where we are welcomed by the mayor for a tasting of local produce.
Continuing along the path, we arrive at the village of Orvinio.
On the fourth day, we continue our journey towards Castel di Tora, crossing the village of Pozzaglia Sabina with all the participants and our friends from “Va Sentiero”. It is a very rainy day, but nevertheless pleasant, as once we reach the summit, an enchanting view opens up before us: Lake Turano and the village of Castel di Tora, where we will spend the night.
After a good night’s sleep, we set off for the fifth day of walking towards the village of Marcetelli in the heart of the Cerva Navegna Nature Reserve. We pass through the village of Vallecupola, where Maria Grazie di Mario welcomes the whole expedition in the small library and National Museum dedicated to Mario’s father Angelo, before reaching the reserve’s hostel, Il Ghiro, in Marcetelli.
On the sixth day of walking, the destination is the village of Pescorocchiano. This beautiful valley was once the cradle of bottari and cerchiai, a noble craft that gave life to the creation of chestnut wood barrels and basins. For this reason, the landscape is rich in centuries-old chestnut groves that will accompany us to the beautiful Pescorocchiano.
The last day of this wonderful week of walking arrives, with our destination being the village of Borgorose, heading towards the hamlet of Corvaro to reach the Monti della Duchessa Regional Reserve. We are accompanied by the park rangers and reserve operators on this last day. The accumulated fatigue accompanies us with smiling faces for having spent seven days immersed in the nature of the Lazio region, where we encountered everything from little stories to tales of traditions from elderly shepherds and artisans and young hopes that this natural journey can make known.
See you next time!
