Leaving the ancient ruins of Rome behind, we tackle the first hills identified in the ancient structure of the Lazio volcano, following a SE-NW line. The journey will take us through this area where, in 1984, the Castelli Romani Regional Park was established to protect its natural and cultural integrity.
The route represents a first immersion in the natural environment and a historical journey “back in time”.
Legend has it that Rome was founded by Romulus, its first king, a descendant of Numitor, king of Albalonga. Legend and history merge with the natural environment and the beauty that has always made the Castelli Romani a place of residence, study and leisure.
Leaving the village of Castel Gandolfo, the famous summer residence of the Popes, you enter the wooded area of the Albano lake crater, which in this section is home to the Via Francigena del Sud.
Continue towards Rocca di Papa, through coppiced chestnut woods; climbing the ancient Via Sacra that led to the Temple of Jupiter Laziale, dear to the Latin and Roman peoples, you reach the crater rim of the Campi d’Annibale near the slag cone of Monte Cavo.
Nearby is the highest point of the entire volcanic structure, represented by Maschio delle Faete (956 m above sea level). The descent towards the Pratoni del Vivaro provides access to areas of considerable interest such as the Bosco del Cerquone, a remnant of the ancient forest, and the Pantani della Doganella, sites of the Natura 2000 network, with permanent pools that are home to various rare species of amphibians.
The arrival at the village of Rocca Priora offers breathtaking views stretching from the Tyrrhenian coast to the Apennine mountains.
