David Morton's Roman Road Walks - Adventures in Italy, Made to Order
Newsletter Thirty-Three

Walking Trips - Spring 2019

Mountains and Sea

3-10 May*

A delicious week in Southern Lazio:
      Cori, Sermoneta, Sperlonga




This 2018 favorite is back!
Details in Newsletter 31

New for 2019:

The Treja Basin

15-22 May*

and 31 May-6 June*

An undiscovered land of volcanoes, gorges, and surprising history

sold out

* Dates tentative pending guest bookings. Other dates by request. Join a group or create your own (4-6 guests).

Calcata above Treja gorge

Calcata above Treja gorge

The Treja Basin

Cradled in a broad volcanic basin, dozens of streams pour into the Treja River: deep gorges arranged like veins in a leaf. Between them rise tall promontories, many of which were chosen as strongholds by the ancient Faliscan people, a Latin tribe which flourished before the Romans. Faliscans imported fine pottery from Greece, and created their own masterworks in clay and metal as well. Many are displayed in the museum at Civita Castellana, site of the dominant Faliscan city.

With excellent natural defenses, the promontories were fortified again in the chaotic middle ages to provide a secure travel corridor. A raft of ruined castles and towers remain, as well as the colorful villages of Nepi, Calcata, Castel Sant’Elia and Civita Castellana. The last boasts an imposing Renaissance fortress and a lovely 12th-century cathedral with recycled Roman columns and a stunning Cosmatesque-style mosaic floor.

Nepi

Nepi

Treja River

Treja River

Sutri

Sutri

Castel d'Ischia

Castel d'Ischia

Tombs, Sutri

Tombs, Sutri

Hermits, too, sought refuge from the prevailing chaos. In the sixth century they began occupying caves in the remote canyons, gradually grouping together in monasteries like Santa Maria ad Rupes outside Castel Sant’Elia. These self-sufficient communities would become an advance guard in the eventual reorganization of the social order in Europe.

Roman amphitheater, Sutri

Roman amphitheater, Sutri

Major historical events took place in nearby Sutri: a decisive battle for Roman domination, the birth of the powerful Papal States, and a visit by Charlemagne in the year 800 that inspired the legend of the Paladin Orlando. A monumental Roman amphitheatre remains – carved into the rock – as well as an astounding lineup of Etruscan tombs. One of these was later fashioned into an eerie cult chamber of the Persian god Mithras – and then into a Christian chapel!

Corchiano

Corchiano

Basilica, Castel Sant’Elia

Basilica, Castel Sant’Elia

Lake Bracciano with castle

Lake Bracciano with castle

More Treja history and geology in Newsletter 32

Our Week in the Treja Basin

Ancient roads still traverse the ridges and valleys, or appear as dramatic slits in the bedrock. Our walks will include the Via Amerina and Via Cassia, Faliscan and Etruscan roads, and the beautiful Treja River. We’ll admire the towns of Civita Castellana, Nepi, Sutri and Calcata, the famous Palazzo Farnese at Caprarola, and volcanic Lake Vico. An optional visit to Lake Bracciano’s Odescalchi Castle is possible.

Meals will feature delicious food and wonderful ambiance. Excellent lodging is available in Civita Castellana, Ronciglione and Sutri at various price levels: please write for details.

Via Amerina

Via Amerina

The Treja Basin

A 7-day walking trip in Northern Lazio

15-22 May and 31 May-6 June 2019

pending guest bookings – other dates by request

4 to 6 guests: join a group or create your own
Book by January 1

Cost:
4 guests: 2050-2150 Euros per person
6 guests: 1720-1820 Euros per person
Cost depends on lodging chosen (ask about lodging options) and is based on double occupancy; add 15% for single. Price in US Dollars will be calculated at time of trip.

Includes daily guided walks (typically 5-6 miles per day), all meals, wine, lodging, transportation and admission to museums and archaeological sites. Flight to Rome not included.

Our departure is from Rome’s Trastevere district between 10 and 11 am on the start date. Spending at least 2 nights in Rome before your trip is highly recommended if you are coming from North America. Lodging suggestions available.

Write to me with questions or to book your trip.
Booking deposit US$500 per person.

More trips

Castles of Umbria: Newsletter 19

All trips are custom designed for four to six guests, and there are many options. Learn more at www.romanroadwalks.com or write to me.

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