Following pre-Roman civilisations’ traces 

ON VIA AURELIA

The modern via Aurelia corresponds, to a large extent, to the path of the ancient Roman consular road; it skirts the coast north of Rome and enters into the Etruscans’ heartland.


This area is scattered with precious and suggestive prehistoric archaeological finds, both Etruscan and Roman, and includes very rich - and diverse - natural scenery.
In the harsh and picturesque nature of the inland lies the fascinating necropolis of Cerveteri, whereas along the coast there are many seaside resorts. Some derive from the ancient fortified Etruscan ports (Santa Severa, Santa Marinella); close by there is also Civitavecchia, the main port of the Rome province. Once we cross the hilly area of the Lazio Maremma, with its pastures and  its butteri (cowherds of this region), we reach the Monti della Tolfa (Tolfa mountains). These are ancient volcanic cones, covered today with woods and glades; in the late spring, they explode into a colourful yellow thanks to the many broom bushes. 

Here we present three itineraries: the Macchiarotonda Nature reserve, Cerveteri and Santa Severa and finally a route from Civitavecchia’s port to the secluded and fascinating Monti della Tolfa and Allumiere. 

Macchiatonda nature reserve

The Etruscans: between Cerveteri and Santa Severa

Between Civitavecchia and the Tolfa mountains