nature
Hills, mountains and valleys are tesimony to the generosity of nature. The beech and oak forests colour the mountains all year, the olive trees alternate with cultivated fields and pastures, giving the Sabina its untamed but harmonious nature. The two main rivers in this region offer unique vistas and bring life to two naturalistic treasures: the Farfa Gorges and the Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve both which are home to many bird species.
The Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve
The Tevere-Farfa Natural Reserve in Nazzano covers an area of over 700 hectares and in 1977 it was recognized as the first Natural reserve of the Lazio Region. The construction of an artificial dam and the junction of the Farfa stream generated the Lake of Nazzano. The shore of the basin is edged by willows, poplars and alders creating a "riparian forest" which is home to many bird migrations.
Activities
How to get here
Nazzano, via del Porto
Torrita Tiberina
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Park Agency office
Nazzano, via Tiberina
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Federico Bronzi
Tel: +39 347 61 04 110
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Canoe, kayak and Dragon-Boat tours/lessons - on the Tiber river
Campo Base Alfa
Tel: +39 340 58 22 027
+39 346 35 76 346
We advise you always be equipped with appropriate kit before embarking on any journey into the mountains. The map of the Sabina CAI trails can also be very useful (we recommend the "Sabina Walking" map, available in the SabinaOn Info Point) that indicate routes marked with red and white paint that match the numbering on the map.
Below is a list of the best hiking trails in the Sabine: don't miss the trails (challenging but worth it) through Gemini Valley (path 356) or by Mount Tancia (path 355) or from Casperia (Route 355). "The Way of the hermitages"is another interesting trail that connects the Hermitage of San Leonardo di Roccantica to the Hermitage of San Michele in Mount San Giovanni (trail 354). Several trails meander from Casperia and past the 4 recently renovated mountain huts: the first of which is Rifugio Cognolo (path 359); this trail goes over three ridges of the Sabine Mountains and ends at a crossroad leading either to Montasola or to Contigliano on path 361. On Mount Tancia you can visit the Pozze del Diavolo (The Devil's Wells) and reach the top of Mount Ode (route 354) or follow the path to the meadows and Cipresseta Salisano (353).
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Videos of The Enchanted Valley and In the footsteps of Saint Francis
The Farfa gorges are one of the most beautiful places in the Sabine; a spectacular canyon carved by the creek and surrounded by a flourishing vegetation.The Farfa Gorges are a beautiful part of Farfa river (branch of the Tiber) and they enclose an area which is still fairly uncontaminated. This small gorge surrounded by the woods is picturesque and characterful.
THE TOUR:
A unique experience not to be missed. Some sections of this walk are suitable for all but other sections require the right training and equipment. The path leads through the flora along the Farfa river. Near the river you can admire the remains of medieval mills and the old Roman bridge that connected Mompeo to Castelnuovo di Farfa.
You can also take this tour with our experienced tourguide Stefano Fassone that will add characteristic and historical information to this trip.
Farfa Gorges
How to get here
Mompeo, Strada delle Mole
Castelnuovo di Farfa, via Cornazzano
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Tours
-Free
-with Stefano Fassone tour guide
Tel:+39 328 46 03 412
The Cottanello area (over 2,400 hectares) is covered by woodland and mountain pastures where flora and fauna are virtually intact and nature is uncontaminated.
Prata to the north of Cotanello and Fonte Cerro to the east are areas of particular beauty from a naturalistic point of view both plateaus that go from 800 to 1,200 metres on the border between Lazio and Umbria regions. Departing from the village walk to the “prata di sotto” (lower plateau) at 900m and reach the typical abbandoned hamlet which is used today as a shelter for cattle. Then proceed to the "prata Supra” (upper plateau) at 1100m which is a great place to stop for a picnic (there are areas with tables and stone braziers) for walks and nature tours.
THE TOUR:
Throughout the year Cottanello meadows offer eye-catching and unique landscapes. No guide is needed for this hiking tour in Cottanello; you can walk through these vast meadows surrounded by beech, oak and maple forests and follow trails that take to different places such as the fields of Stroncone and Greccio.
Cottanello meadows
How to get here
Cottanello, via dei Prati
