Between via Flaminia and via Tiberina
THE AGRO CAPENATE
The Agro (countryside) Capenate stretches between the via Flaminia and the course of the Tiber, whilst bordering with via Tiberina; in pre-Roman times it had its main centre in Capena. Its considerable strategic importance meant that it was colonized, early on, by the Etruscans.
Subsequently it passed under Roman control and kept a significant role in Medieval times too, when it was scattered with fortified towns, such as the well preserved ones of Fiano Romano, Nazzano and Torrita Tiberina.
For some centuries after this the area was abandoned. Perhaps it was precisely this long torpor which has brought to us, today, intact age-old traditions and ancient flavours which emerge in the hilltop towns, far-removed from the consular road.
The fragrant local wines are noteworthy, thanks to the particular volcanic soil which is very good for vines to grow in. Latin authors of important works on agriculture boasted Lazio’s primacy as it was the first region in Italy where the vine was introduced.
The olive oil is equally prestigious, with two peaks of excellence: the extra virgin olive oil of Soratte, which the DOP designation has been applied for, and the extra virgin olive oil of the Sabina area, which already has been awarded it. The fertile countryside is crossed by the Tiber and dominated by the isolated mound of the Monte (mount) Soratte, whose slopes are scattered with hermitages, monasteries and abbatial castles which bear testimony to the importance of the spread of Christianity during the High Middle Ages. This was favoured by the mount’s isolation and the protection offered by the natural environment.
These unpolluted places are characterized by a symbiosis between nature and spirituality.
Here we present three itineraries to help visitors discover the region: the first leads to fine turreted towns and abbeys in the Agro Capenate; the second is dedicated to the visit of the Nature reserve of Tevere-Farfa and the third will focus on the green slopes of the mythical Monte Soratte.
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Historycal itineraries
