Regional Natural Park of Roman Castles

The Park, created in 1984, extends for 9500 hectares, including all the Colli Albani relevant territory. It still preserve the signs of Latium Vulcan activity. In fact, if certain craters are now occupied by Albano and Nemi Lakes, on the edge of the great circular cavity of Albano arises the mass of Tuscolo mountain.

More internally Cavo and Faete Mountains prove the presence of a smaller crater. The same Vulcan activity and the consequent soil fertility have favoured the formation of a thick forest and woods that survive, inside the park area, despite of the human presence. The Park involves 15 nice towns, set in beautiful scenic locations, with their many evidences of history: Albano Laziale, Ariccia, Castel Gandolfo, Frascati, Genzano di Roma, Grottaferrata, Lanuvio, Lariano, Marino, Monte Porzio Catone, Montecompatri, Nemi, Rocca di Papa, Rocca Priora e Velletri. The Park territory is rich in suggestions and points of interest, either naturalistic or historical – archaeological. The visitor, following recommended itineraries, can easily choose to reach the top of Faete Mountain, whose name reminds the ancient presence of beech trees or the Tuscolo Mountain pinewood, which preserves the ruins of the destroyed Tuscolo town. Moreover, there is the Chigi Wood in Ariccia. It preserves the memory of a vegetation that, in the past Centuries and before the chestnut tree introduction, had to cover Albani Hills. Inside the Park, roman villas, monasteries and convents, castles and historical palaces alternate to a rich wildlife. Who wants to get an overall of the area, with Tuscolani Mountains caldera (a cauldron-like volcanic feature usually formed by the collapse of land following a volcanic eruption), extensive chestnuts forests and the image of small towns, just has to reach the top of the hills. Looking up to the wonderful view you can spot the poan vaulting or the kestrel “holy spirit”, a small hawk able to stay upright beating its wings to effectively spot preys.

Information
Villa Barattolo, via C. Battisti, 5 – 00040 Rocca di Papa
Phone 06/9495254-5
Fax 06/9495254
www.parchilazio.it