Discover
Lazio
Along pilgrims’ trails
3
Funmaps
lots of fac more thts and a 30 gamesn
Three pilgrims’ trails The roads the pilgrims travelled along strictly on foot during the Middle Ages are called Cammini (i.e. walking trails). After all, the word itself says it! It was no pleasure trip for them, but rather a form of penance and devotion. Today, Region Lazio invites you to discover wonderful naturalistic, historical, artistic and mysterious places through the Cammini System, along Via Francigena, Francis Trail and Benedict Trail.
Rome
Northern Francigena Southern Francigena Francis Trail Benedict Trail
Discover
Lazio
Along pilgrims’ trails
G A ME Hello! I’ m Lina the liz ard. I like r oaming the ba ck str blendin eets, g in th and su e gree nbathin n g rema still am ining p ong th erfect e rock ly walls. s of the You’ll o countr f ten m the Ca y eet me mmini, along but, sin ce I’m at hidin very g g, it wo ood n’t be to find so eas me. Ho y w man y time can yo s u spot me?
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Answer on p. 46
Key
Written by Lorenza Cingoli and Martina Forti Illustrated by Stefano Misesti Translated by Anna Cro
Our 3 Funmaps
Funmap
1
Via Francigena, North and South of Rome from p. 6
Funmap
2
Francis Trail from p. 26
Funmap
3
Benedict Trail from p. 34
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During the Middle Ages (V-XV centuries AD), there were no cars, trains or planes, so you either rode horses, or travelled on a chariot, or walked. Trails were long, tiring, and full of dangers: wild animals and robbers roamed the roads! Merchants, knights and pilgrims were the people traveling the most. Pilgrims undertook their journey for spiritual reasons: atoning some guilt, looking for their soul’s salvation, strengthening their own faith visiting the place where relics of saints and martyrs were kept. The main pilgrimage destinations were three: Santiago De Compostela in Spain, Jerusalem in the Holy Land, and Rome, where the remains of the Apostle Peter were kept.
GA ME
£ A 777 km £ B 2,448 km £ C 1,880 km
Santiago d
e Compost Jeru
sale
Answer on p. 46
If you wanted to reach Rome, the most famous way was Via Francigena. It was described for the first time by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury. He travelled from the United Kingdom to the Eternal City through France and kept a very detailed journal of his journey back. Lazio features three important trails: Via Francigena, that is divided into two parts, one North and one South of Rome, Francis Trail and Benedict Trail. The two trails go through the places where the two famous saints lived and preached. Are you ready to discover the wonders that lie along these trails?
F ind out how far Rom e is from Sant iago de Com post ela and from Jeru sale m
ela
m
£ A 1,225 km £ B 516 km £ C4,838 km
Souvenirs of the past
Each pilgrim brought back home small items pinned on their coats or hats, in order to prove they made the journey. From Santiago de Compostela they brought a shell; from Jerusalem a palm frond; from Rome blessed cloth panels, small metal medals or St. Peter’s crossed keys.
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Your guides...
N
ice to met you, I’m a medieval Pilgrim. You recognize my typical attire for sure: schiavina, that is the rough and short robe that allows me to move easily, a mantle to get some protection from cold; petasos, a broadbrimmed hat protecting me from both the sun and the rain; bordone, a wooden stick with an iron tip I use as a defence from robbers and animals, but also to support me along the trails; my leather haversack containing money and some food. Umberto the Horse travels with me. He’ll be happy to see you to the many stops featured by Via Francigena, North and South of Rome, in Funmap 1.
The pilgrim’s passport Before starting your journey on Via Francigena, Francis Trail or Benedict Trail, get the Credential of the Pilgrim. It’s a kind of passport that is to be stamped at each stop on the trail. Each trail has its own passport: ask for it at the relevant tourist offices.
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...to discover Lazio
M
y name’s Francis and I’m the Patron Saint of Italy. I was born in Assisi, in Umbria, in 1181. My father was a rich cloth merchant who made his fortune in France. This is why he called me Francis! Up to 18 years old, I enjoyed myself as much as I could. Then, during a war, I was taken a prisoner and got sick. I spent my convalescence in close contact with nature and discovered the beauty of the world around me. Therefore, I decided to change my life and to devote it to helping poor and sick people. I renounced my riches and wore the habit of the hermits. Many followed me. I call brothers and sisters all living creatures: birds, fish, insects, even Eugenio the Wolf, who will guide you on my Trail in Funmap 2.
H
ello, I’m Benedict. I was born in Norcia, Umbria, in 480 AD. It was a really tough period in Italian history. The Roman Empire had collapsed and there were massacres, famine and wars everywhere. I realized all these problems when I was sent to Rome together with my twin sister Scholastica. The city was so decadent I ran away from it, to pray and meditate in the mountains. This attracted some people of faith. I even founded a religious order, the Benedictines, that is organized by a Rule defining the days at the Monasteries: ora et labora, that is pray and work. Arturo the Raven, as you will know, saved my life once. He will be your guide on my Trail in Funmap 3. 5
Funmap
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Via Francigena, North and South of Rome
You’ll see paintings made of flowers and leaves and you’ll walk in woods and reserves. You’ll navigate fascinating lakes rich in legends, you’ll visit amazing palaces, mysterious gardens, and funny and delicious museums. You’ll find out where the Pope goes on holiday, you’ll learn that you can reclaim a swamp, you’ll admire geese on a wall and play with our grandparents’ toys. You’ll cross huge walls, you’ll meet the oldest Italian Prehistoric Man, you’ll explore places from the Odissey and you’ll swim in the same waters as Ulysses. 1
Pilgrims and Crusaders
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The wolves’ mountains
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Among flowers and stars
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A perfect set
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The city of miracles
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A famous slap
- A wonderful lake
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Huge walls
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A lunar landscape
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My friend, the caveman
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Among stone monsters
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In Circe’s realm
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Irresolute Cardinals
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On Ulysses’ coast
- A saint on the canopy
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Ancient geometries
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The fortress palace
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Lakes and castles
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Via Francigena is the most important among the trails pilgrims used either to reach Rome or to leave Rome, setting sail towards Jerusalem. Rome was, in fact, both a point of arrival and a starting point. This is why in Lazio it is divided into Northern Via Francigena and Southern Snack Via Francigena. It goes through many different ! areas from a naturalistic point of view. They are yo Alon uc gt also rich in historic and artistic treasures. To the sn an e his tr ac n North of Rome, it starts from Proceno close to ha che ks: joy y ail, Acquapendente and runs through Tuscia; to the s z eln tn Vall um Po u r m e South it is divided into many paths: one runs Ne chet uts, ts, R ran y o mi L t om ar a, along the coast to the border with Campania, s an i P u traw Rom ano all the others are more internal and reach the an pa b b r er z e bu C border with Molise. ffa ze, G ries ora ad, th e
2 Mount Rufeno Natural Reserve
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Torre Alfina
Acquapendente
Bolsena 3
4 Civita di Bagnoregio 3 Bolsena Valentano Lake Capodimonte 5 Bomarzo Fiora River Villa Lante Viterbo 6 a Bagnaia San Martino al Cimino 7 8 Caprarola Rive Lago di Vico r ve Ri ta ar M
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Trevignano Romano
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Bracciano Lake
Bracciano Anguillara
iver ne R Anie
Rome
Frascati
Palestrina
Albano Lake Castel Gandolfo 9 13 Alatri Anagni 12 Albano Laziale 9 9 S a Nemi cco Frosinone Riv er Cori 10 Melfa Gorges Norma
Latina
Sermoneta 11
Sezze
Ceprano 14
Priverno
Garden of Ninfa Borgo Faiti
Fogliano Lake Caprolace Lake Sabaudia Lake
Circeo National Park 15
Liri River
Itri 16 Formia 16 Sperlonga 16
Terracina
Pontine Islands
Gaeta
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2 Pr od st ick s are s a On n iro with ce nt t ip us ed hey w . to e re in ca ttl cite e.
Pugnaloni
Pugnaloni Festival takes place in Acquapendente on the third Sunday of May. Its origin (1166) goes back to a legend: during the reign of Frederick Barbarossa, two peasants witnessed a dried cherry tree blossoming. They thought this was a sign from God, so they and their fellow citizens rose up against the tyrant and assaulted his castle armed with various work tools. In order to thank Our Lady for the recovered freedom, a festival was instituted. The most exciting moment is the Pugnaloni parade. Pugnaloni are huge mosaics made with flowers and leaves glued to wooden panels. They are reminiscent of the prods ornate of flowers, with which the peasants marched behind the statue of Our Lady, symbolizing both the weapons used during the revolt and the old cherry tree’s blossoming. The works contributing to the event every year are on display in the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre.
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Pilgrims and Crusaders
On a hill overlooking Val di Paglia, Acquapendente welcomed pilgrims coming from Tuscany along Via Francigena. Here is the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre. Its story features a famous legend: in X century, queen Matilda of Westphalia stopped in Acquapendente with some mules loaded with the gold she needed to build a church dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre in Rome. The mules knelt down in Acquapendente and refused to go any further, so the queen knew she had to build the church there. They also say that some knights brought here a stone stained by Christ’s Blood on their way back from the Crusades. The stone is still kept in the crypt.
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Among flowers and stars
Am im o n g a th l S er as s d the s e’s et wel o li n f sa a r ar ore g Wh la e st m at ty a , ’s its nde pe r o na . f m e? in
an
Salamander in boots Answer on p. 46
Do not miss a trip to Mount Rufeno Natural Reserve, three thousand hectares of protected forests and hills, where river Paglia flows. You’ll find various types of forests, Mediterranean scrub areas, ponds, streams and springs, old stone farmhouses, as well as a very rich flora (look for water violet, Etruscan santolina and 39 different qualities of orchids!) and fauna: 122 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. On top on Mount Rufeno there’s an Astronomical Observatory, where you’ll be able to watch stars through a telescope by night and to watch the heavenly movements of a night sky in the Planetary by day. The Reserve also features the Museum of the Flower, dedicated to the history of flowers and to their relationship with humans and animals.
GA
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ME
Salamander with hat Spectacled salamander
Into a fairytale In Torre Alfina you’ll find a real fairytale castle with its ramparts and crenellated towers, full of statues, tapestries and artwork. Take a stroll through the village, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, among stone houses and narrow alleys, then walk through Sasseto Forest. It’s a magical forest, rich in ancient trees, mosses and ferns. It is often shrouded in a mysterious fog. The forest owes its name to the lava rocks that broke over the centuries and is also called Snow White Forest. Hidden among the vegetation, you won’t find the house of the seven dwarves, but the tomb of Marquis Edoardo Cahen, former owner of the castle, instead.
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Tuscia is the name they gave to Etruria after the end of Etruscan rule. It includes parts of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria.
A skeptical priest
They say that, in 1263, the faith of Peter from Prague, a Bohemian priest, began to falter. While he was celebrating Mass at Santa Cristina’s altar, the Host began to bleed and stained both his robe and the church’s floor. Following this event, the Pope instituted the feast of Corpus Christi, that is celebrated with a spectacular Flower Festival in Bolsena. It consists of a 3 km path along which various type of flowers compose pictures with unbelievable nuances.
Answer on p. 46
GAM E
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lor , Co as e are h e g t ts: h t tin c do pe he f t ver a res o s o e lor disc lik co l l ’ io n u t i o y os er mp Flow co . e th al’s tiv s e F
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The city of miracles
Bolsena is a charming town on the lake of the same name. Have a stroll to Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, built by Pope Adrian IV as a defense against Barbarians at the beginning of 12th century. The Church of Santa Cristina hides a fascinating story. Cristina was the prefect of Bolsena’s daughter at the time of Diocletian (243 - 312 AD). When she converted to Christianity, her father bound her feet to a stone and threw her into the lake. She did not drown and was dragged to shore instead. They say the stone still wears Cristina’s footprint. An altar was erected on it, and then the church. Cristina was proclaimed a saint.
A wonderful lake You can roam Bolsena Lake by boat and circumnavigate its two beautiful islands, Bisentina and Martana, that are private, unfortunately. The first one is rich in vegetation and features a total of seven chapels and churches. It was inhabited by the Etruscans and then by the Romans. On the bottom of the lake, near this island, they found an ancient archaeological item: a canoe carved from a single trunk, dating back to the Bronze Age (3500-1200 BC)! Martana island is smaller and wilder. It is famous due to its eerie legend: many fishermen claim that, when the north wind blows, the screams of queen Amalasunta can be heard. She was killed by the despicable king of the Ostrogoths, her husband Theodatus, right on the island.
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In the Museum of Prehistory of Tuscia and Rocca Farnese in Valentano
you can see an ancient relic: the Enigmatic Tablet, a prehistoric object. Its function and meaning have not been deciphered by archaeologists. A real mystery!
Beauty and the Beast
During the XVI century, Pedro Gonzales lived in Capodimonte, on Bolsena Lake. He suffered from a disease that made his hairs grow dramatically both on his body and on his face. He had been taken captured in Tenerife and brought as a gift to the King of France, Henry II, who educated him so well Pedro even managed to find a wife! The fairytale “Beauty and the Beast�might be stemmed from this story.
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4 At the bottom of the lake
Bracciano, Trevignano Romano and Anguillara are three towns bordering Bracciano Lake. The first one features the famous Orsini-Odescalchi castle, so beautiful it is often rented by famous actors for weddings and other ceremonies. In Anguillara, you can admire an underwater nativity at Christmas. And, if you’re an athlete, you can have a sailing course, or a nice bike ride under the supervision of an adult.
said by e is k a ted L rea is c Vico ed h een amm hen he ve b j a o h W wh to nd. ter es, rou cul f wa g o e t Her h e je to t arg lly, b in tua ,al clu t i d . Ac t e u v o o lake rem hed anic rve c l gus o se av l Re s. it is ura t oo d a w N l a e az in in h rich
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A lunar landscape
Not far from Bolsena, there’s a place full of magic. Civita di Bagnoregio stands on a spectacular valley of calanchi, that are red clay wave-shaped ridges interspersed with big rock walls, that make it look like a lunar landscape. Civita is a lively and charming town, but it is called “the dying city”, because it stands on a tuff hill subject to landslides and erosion, that have taken away whole chunks of the town over time. Among its narrow streets, squares, and courtyards, you can still find the ancient crafts.
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Among stone monsters
Some 500 years ago, Prince Pier Francesco Orsini decided to create an amazing garden, full of monstrous stone figures featuring symbolic meaning in his Bomarzo estate. The Park of Monsters is still an exciting and adventurous place, ideal for a special day devoted to discovering its huge statues. Find the Sphinxes, the Elephant, the Dragons, the struggling Giants, the Mermaid, the Ogre, then enter the Leaning house. Don’t worry: it has been standing for many centuries!
1 Fountains for all tastes Villa Lante at Bagnaia is a beautiful villa near Viterbo. Built between 16th and 17th centuries, it features a spectacular Italian garden, full of hedges cut in an artistic way, in a great variety of shapes. It also has many fountains decorated by stone animals, giants and much more. Discover them all.
GA ME
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The Cardinals built tents in order to get some repair from
cold. The holes in the floor where they planted the beams are still visible.
Looking out of the loggia Palace of the Popes is the symbol building of the city. It was built in the XIII century. Near it, there’s a beautiful Loggia with Gothic arches. Newly elected Popes used to appear there and bless the people. y Do a n ou w ex an tt ac eigh b t or Mi oa dd ly as orho m le od it A tha wa ge all s– sd ti ey s sa ur i nd towe be rs ng th pa tw ,n s e ee n h sage arro St. Ju w w o u a s Pe lle t go ses? ys gr to i n in Vit o Dis er tri bo ct !
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Irresolute Cardinals
Enclosed by massive crenellated and turreted walls, Viterbo is Tuscia’s most important city. It was inhabited by the Etruscans, the Romans and the Longobards; it was also at the center of rowdy wars between Rome and the Papacy. In 1257, Pope Alexander IV made it a papal residence, home to several conclaves. Indeed, they say that the word conclave, that is the assembly of cardinals electing the Pope, goes back to Gregory X’s election. The cardinals gathered in the Cathedral, but time went by and, after a long time, no agreement was reached to elect the new Pope. Then Raniero, captain of the people of Viterbo, locked them (“cum clave” means “under key”) in the hall of the Palace of the Popes, uncovered the roof and rationed their food. Despite this, more than a year passed before Gregory X was elected Pope!
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A saint on the canopy The patron saint of Viterbo is St. Rosa. A really spectacular Festival is dedicated to her. The most important moment is the transport of the Machine of St. Rosa, a metal and fiberglass tower lighted by torches and lamps, 30 meters high and weighing 5 tons. On its top, there’s the statue of the Saint. On September 3rd, in the evening, it is carried on the shoulders by 100 men, called Facchini (i.e porters), along a path one kilometer long and passing through streets, squares, and above all among the crowd, that is always very numerous. After five stops, the Facchini have even to run uphill, getting some help from levers and ropes, to the Church of St. Rosa, where the Machine is placed and remains on display for three days.
White and red
Soluzione a p. 48
The Facchini wear a white uniform with a red sash. White stands for purity of St. Rosa’s soul; red stands for the cardinals who moved the saint’s body in the Sanctuary dedicated to her.
Spot t Ros a’s all f ac look c hi the ni alik se e, b two ut sm f e a all diff ture s C an i ere you nce x s po s. t th em?
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Answer on p. 46
differences he
St.
2 The portrait of the pilgrim Sutri’s origins are so ancient they say it was founded by god Saturn himself! In the Archaeological park you’ll see a Roman amphitheater and a Necropolis, featuring 64 tombs excavated into the tuff. The Cave Church of Our Lady giving Birth was an Etruscan tomb, then it became a place of worship dedicated to the mysterious Persian god Mithra. Here, look for the fresco depicting a group of pilgrims: you’ll recognize them thanks to their typical clothing. They say that Orlando, the famous champion of France, was born in Orlando’s Grotto.
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ri’s Sut arms n of ur at Sat and co s e e tur hors of fea a dle n g u ht n b i rig rid ng a e h t di ish se hol fi n hoo and C ...? re. er sw pictu n a the
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Answer on p. 46
i n d o vi
nel
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Flowers Boughs Spikes
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Ancient geometries
In XVII century, Princess Olympia Maidalchini Pamphilij made San Martino al Cimino a living urban experiment: it was turned selfsufficient and was defended by nine bastions, all connected to the many small identical houses that were around Doria Pamphilij Palace. The Princess was much loved, did not ask her subjects for taxes and provided a dowry to the girls who remained in the village. Built on a tuff rock, Sutri was another popular destination for pilgrims. In the Cathedral of the Assumption you’ll admire a particular type of floor, called “cosmatesco”, built in XIII century. Pieces of colored marble are cut into geometric shapes and make intricate designs, according to a technique invented by the Cosmati, a family of marble-workers.
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The fortress palace
It’s as beautiful as a villa and as mighty as a fortress: it is Farnese Palace in Caprarola. Actually, it was built in two stages – first the lower defensive structure, featuring a pentagonal plant, then the upper refined house, that Cardinal Alessandro Farnese committed to architect Vignola, mid XVI century. In the palace, everything is scenographic: the spiralling Royal staircase is so wide it could be climbed on horseback; the many tromp l’oeil (fake perspectives) are so realistic they seem real; each floor features a fountain. The Foil Staircase was to be used by servants. It features a grooved railing: nobles rolled small bags full of sand and containing instructions for their servants along it from the upper floors.
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1 3 Try out the acoustic illusion in the Echo room. If two people stand at the opposite corners of the room and the first one talks to the wall, the other one will hear everything, as if it were whispered into his/her ear!
Continents and constellations
The walls of the Hall of the Globe are a kind of atlas, depicting the known world, mid XVI century (Australia is missing!). They also feature the most famous seafarers of the time: Amerigo Vespucci, Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan and Marco Polo. On the ceiling, a beautiful fresco depicts 50 constellations. Look for your zodiac sign.
85 86 1 2 3 4 82 84 5 8 9 83 50 44 10 6 43 38 37 7 28 36 24 Sa 11 35 git 26 25 23 is 42 39 40 ta o s riu ign ne 12 27 s o 16 s 30 29 ft It of 17 h i e1 s 41 34 31 22 th r ez 2 ep ac 18 re en s e o di a ta 19 15 Co c n te nn u r h 33 21 32 db . 13 ec o 14 y l a di n 20 tt nd 49
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GAME
Answer on p. 46
he g… fi n d di t o ots ut .
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Not to be missed
GA
Visit the Museum of the Roman Ships in Nemi: it hosts the models and the remains of the ships built by Emperor Caligula for the celebrations in honor of Diana Nemorensis. They were fished out of Nemi Lake after many vicissitudes. In Civic Museum Lanuvino, you’ll find archaeological remains of the ancient Lanuvio, such as the wonderful winged griffin.
ME
Answer on p. 46
s tle ood as g C h n i e atc Th ack .M r l e t i n no d wi he dt . do n n a d s a lties foo ace ia pl ec sp
Its delicious porchetta pork roast is known throughout Italy.
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Lakes and castles
When you are in Rome, on clear days, you can see the tops of Albani Hills, in the Roman Castles area. Rich in vegetation and cattle, this area of volcanic origin has been inhabited since Prehistoric times, then came the Romans, and fortified villages were built during the Middle Ages. Today, it’s a wonderful place with lakes where you can dive in on hot days. On the lake of Castel Gandolfo, that probably stands where ancient Alba Longa was founded by Ascanius, Aenea’s son, the Pope spends his holidays. He stays in Papal Palace, that belongs to the Vatican State, even if it stands there. In Albano Laziale, where emperor Septimius Severus founded a big military camp, you can see the remains of Cisternone (i.e. Big Tank) and a Roman tomb, said to host the bodies of the Horatii and of the Curiatii.
NEMI FRASCATI MARINO
It’s famous for its wine, a well-known Grapes Festival takes place here and, in this occasion, wine flows from its fountains!
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It’s the kingdom of strawberries, that are used to make jams, syrups and liqueurs.
ARICCIA
Its Pupazze are desserts depicting a woman with three breasts. A wet nurse managed to keep the rowdiest children calm, attacking them to a fake breast full of wine.
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The wolves’ mountains
They say the Lepini mountains owe their name to the wolves that once lived there. In fact, the highest peak is Mount Lupone (1378 m – its name means “big wolf”). It is more likely that they owe their name to “lapis”, a type of limestone. Here hawks, eagles, ravens and other birds of prey rule. There are many villages in this area, and almost all of them were founded by the ancient Romans. Cori is a medieval village surrounded by ancient walls. Here are the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the Dioscuri, that is to the mythical twins Castor and Pollux and to another mythological character: Hercules. In the Church of St. Mary of Mercy, you’ll see the most ancient candlestick for Easter candle. Its base features a chimaera, the mythological monster with a lion head, a goat head and a snake as its tail.
The mosaic of the Nile
Have you ever seen a mosaic map? In the Archaeological Museum in Palestrina, you’ll see a mosaic depicting the River Nile during a flood. Ancient Romans had no clear idea about Egypt, and imagined a strange land full of odd animals.
A yummy visit
Norma stands on a spur of rock where once the Roman town of Norba was, with its mighty walls. Today, it’s a favorite with paragliders. With Aeroclubnorma, you’ll be able to fly in a tandem paragliding, together with an instructor. At the Chocolate Museum, the history of cocoa processing is explained, from the Maya up to today, from planting to finished product, with rich final tasting!
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tri must You pt o N not mo mi inf st ss in a, be Eu a on a u r ve e t o i p fu o ge e f !A lg t mo ar the bir ation de ng ds ,y ns t ,s ou nig he uc ’ll lus h tin fi n ha On h dm st the gale he an or tow y r i th ve er, ma the e rob r ke si i n. s ts pa rro ne st. w
Among marshes Once upon a time, the wide area of Lazio between the Lepini Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, was called Pontine Marshes. It was the swampy home of the marsh fever. During the first half of XX century, a vast reclamation work was finished. It allowed the area to become cultivable and livable. In Borgo Faiti (LT), the Piana delle Orme Museum covers 50 years of Italian history: the land reclamation, the Second World War, vehicles and machines of the beginning of great industrialization, children toys of the past.
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A perfect set
Sermoneta is a medieval village preserved so well it is often used as a set for movies. Among the alleys and the ancient squares, you’ll find the beautiful Caetani Castle and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. It features a picture by the famous Renaissance painter Benozzo Gozzoli (1420-1497), where the village is depicted in the arms of Our Lady. In the plain below the village, there are parks and streams to cover by canoe. If you happen to Sermoneta on the second Sunday of October, during Our Lady of the Victory’s Festival, you’ll witness the Historical reenactment of the Battle of Lepanto (1571), when the Christian fleet defeated the Turkish one, marking the beginning of the decline of the Ottoman Empire.
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A famous slap
In September 1303, Pope Boniface VIII lived in the papal headquarters of the time, Anagni, Ciociaria. He was taken prisoner by the French King Philip the Fair. They say the Pope was slapped with a gauntlet and, although there’s no certainty of the episode, the beautiful medieval town is famous because of this slap. You’ll enjoy wandering and discovering valuable buildings, such as Barnekow House, where a Swedish painter painted symbols and wrote things in his language in XIX century. In the Cathedral there are beautiful frescoes depicting scenes of the Old and New Testament. Go visit the Palace of the Popes: you’ll find a staircase decorated by… geese!
1 3 Grandparents’ toys
The Volsci were an Italic population, somewhat wild, similar to the Umbrians. They settled in Southern Lazio. Sezze is of Volscan origin, even though they found prehistoric graffiti. If you are interested in finding out how children played in this area in the old times, visit Ludus, the Ethnographic Toys Museum. You can attend a workshop and make traditional toys, attend the reading of tales of this area, and much more.
ON- SIT E A CT
IVIT Y
A rosette A stone lion A bell
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Answer on p. 46
Near Priv wher erno , e yo u’ll fi Rom an a n d a rcha site eolo , the gica re’s l the Foss fam anov in Go os a Abbe thic -Cis y, Choo terc se t ian s he a tyle rchi elem . tect ent u a ral dorn faca ing de a its nd d raw it.
R
R ID DLE Cyclops were giant mythological characters. Do you remember what was their peculiarity?
Answer on p. 46
They had one eye only They had three ears They had two noses
Wild canyons Among woods, cliffs, waterfalls and caves, you’ll be able either to walk on the trail or to ride mountain bike in Melfa Gorges. You’ll see rock walls where birds of prey make their nests and you’ll have fun playing with Echo, having your voice bouncing among canyons.
Competition cheese In September, there’s a cheese throwing contest in Alatri. It consists in having a big wheel of cheese rolling through the streets of the village. And woe betide anyone who bumps into obstacles! The winner is whoever finishes first.
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Huge walls
Alatri is famous because of the cyclopean walls of its ancient acropolis. They were not built by giants, but by strong and really clever people! The walls consist of giant boulders. The Main Gate, for example, features a lintel over 5 meters long: it must not have been simple to lift it and place it there, given the scarce means of those times. On the walls, letters and symbols linked to magic rituals, are carved. During the days of Summer and Autumn solstice, the sun lights completely the corridor of the Minor Gate. All these wonders spawned many myths and legends about Alatri.
14
My friend, the caveman
Lazio has been inhabited since the dawn of time. In Ceprano, they found the skull of a prehistoric man who lived during Pleistocene. It was 1994. As he had been buried in clay for many thousand years, Homo Cepranensis was called Argil (from the Italian “argilla”, clay). But how did he live? For sure, Argil went hunting and shaped flints, stones carved in the shape of an arrow. Back then, Italy had many animals, even elephants and rhinos. Catching one, however, was difficult. And he had to be really careful. Among Argil’s rivals, there also were formidable sabertoothed tigers!
il Arg ost he m is t man t hu n has e i and anc y l a It il in died stu foss ts n e be ogis ntol o e e h l t a nd by p arou m fro ld. wor
1
IDENTITY CARD Name: Argil, HOMO CEPRANENSIS Age: from 900,000 to 430,000 years approximately (paleontologists are still figuring this out) Profession: elephant hunter Physical features: flat nose, sloping forehead, prominent orbital rim.
GAME pale
ologist DI ont
Do you want t o try and work li ke a r ea l paleon tologis t?
Y
You need: A cardboard box (a shoe-box will do), tweezers, gloves, a notebook and a pen. Then
some soil, pieces of broken cups (be careful not to cut), pebbles, chicken bones, egg shells, shells. Wear the gloves, pour some soil into the box, add chicken bones and egg shells, then pour some other soil over them. Add pieces of a broken cup, then pour some more soil. Scatter the pebbles and the shells and cover everything with soil. Let some day pass. Now you can start your work as a paleontologist. Use tweezers to gently remove objects belonging to the first layer, then go deeper and deeper. Categorize everything on your notebook using some imagination: for example, Etruscan cup, Triceratops eggs, mammoth bones… 23
2 A special park Mount Circeo is a part of the National Park of Circeo, a vast green area including very different environments. There’s a Wood, there are Dunes protecting the inland, thus allowing thousands of migratory birds to find refuge in the Wetlands, there’s an Archaeological area. You can walk or ride a bike in the park, and participate in activities organized by Park Authorities, in order to discover all the opportunities of this incredible area.
In honor of the god Do you remember who was the chief of all the gods according to the ancient Romans? It was Jupiter. The shrine of Jupiter Anxur in Terracina looks like it was dedicated to him. There went the faithful in order to invoke the benevolence of the god. Take a walk up there, it’s very interesting and you get a spectacular view! You’ll see the city from above, the Circeo, and the wonderful Pontine Islands (Ponza, Ventotene, Palmarola, Zannone, Gavi and Santo Stefano), featuring beaches of pebbles and sand, clear waters and small hospitable villages.
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15
In Circe’s realm
If you read the Odissey, you know that, at some point of his journey, Ulysses landed on an island, where Sorceress Circe lived. She held him spellbound for a year and turned almost all his companions into pigs. That island is actually a headland, Mount Circeo, that is said to feature the mythical sorceress’ profile. There, you’ll find trails among the green, remains of megalithic walls, caves, villages and ancient watchtowers. Among rocks, the Peregrin falcon makes its nest. At the feet of the mount, there are beautiful beaches by the crystal sea. Here, sportsmen practice surf, windsurf and kite-surf.
16
1 3
On Ulysses’ coast
One of the last stretches of Via Francigena in Lazio is a beautiful area, featuring very high coasts, long beaches and a wonderful blue sea, where you can spend your day soaking. On the rocks, prickly pears and palmettos grow and many birds of prey make their nest. In Gaeta, you can enter the bowels of a mountain through the deep cleft of the Split Mountain, a mysterious and charming place; in Gianola, near Formia, you can see how a Roman docking port for small ships was like; in Itri, at the feet of the Aurunci Mountains, you’ll find the ruins of Frà Diavolo castle. He was a famous XIX century robber and soldier, also celebrated in a Laurel and Hardy movie. There’s also the Demographic, ethnological and anthropological Museum of Brigandage, where you’ll find out everything about this shady outlawed practice of the past centuries.
Sperlonga comes from the Latin word “Spelunca”. Look for these words: CASTLE–BEACH–ROCK–SEA MOUNTAINS–GAETA–CLEFT–ULYSSES–FRANCIGENA The remaining one will tell you the meaning of the Latin word.
L Y E A U A
E S T T N N
F S A C T C
T E B A A I
R S E S I G
O R A T N E
C O C L S N
K T H E O A
Sperlonga is a beautiful village overlooking the sea, featuring many small white houses huddled together, stairways, alleys and small arches, frescoes recounting stories about the Saracens, an old watchtower, two vast sand beaches and a clear sea. Emperor Tiberius went on holiday there. He organized shows and concerts for his guests in a big natural grotto. In the Archaeological National Museum, there are the remains of groups of Roman statues found in the area. Among others, you’ll see the only portrait of Ulysses made in old times and come down to us.
______ 25
Answer on p. 46
G C U L G A S E MO F R
Pirates and emperors
Funmap
2
Francis Trail
You’ll go through a gate where “good morning” is wished, you’ll visit the village where the first living nativity scene was performed, you’ll walk both in the sanctuary that hosted St. Francis and in the one where he wrote a wonderful poem dedicated to all living creatures. You’ll take shelter in the shade of a beech that looks like a hut, and you’ll read mysterious inscriptions on a magic door. You’ll roam the streets of a city that is just the center of Italy, you’ll ski down the most important mountain in Lazio, you’ll find out what animals live in a wonderful Reserve. You’ll see the Abbey Charlemagne liked so much, you’ll taste an oil celebrated by artists, you’ll turn the cranks of hundreds of automata, you’ll watch birds hidden among huts, and you’ll keep silent in the rooms of a very special museum.
26
1
A valley for Francis
2
The hut tree
3
On the salt trail
4
Wild animals
5
Carolingian Abbey
6
An oasis for birds
. , St he ome at t In R d e co y sta ces f ran cis F n . rt o a t Fr h ea of S t, y c h r ve rc tri dis C hu the y (i.e. l n i i e , l iv ntr ipa a a in o R , e a e’ N ace ver ta d kes pl ste s a e e r T ta ver he F al) ste re t Tra stiv e ri”, whe f m ant f ro o ow n e n l “ r s op ou the . Pe elve are July thems y e l g th ans. cal ni n m mea l Ro rea
Francis Trail goes through the places where St. Francis lived and preached. If you follows his trail (on foot, horseback or by bike), you’ll see a green valley extending as far as the eye can see, rivers, lakes, S NA CK! mountains, forests, sanctuaries, medieval towns where old traditions are still alive. The Trail starts from the Alo yo u c ng t Sanctuary of La Verna in Tuscany and goes wi hi s an th :A through Umbria. an ma en jo trai dH l, ya t In Lazio, it starts in Labro and leads to Rome. am ric s
na ,R eM ats ieti orta ck d B , Sa bin Sabi lack ella na aR P ig O av Ch en i l , er n a ry . Me
Rivodutri 2 Greccio
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5
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Montopoli di Sabina
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27
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The pilgrim’s good morning
In Poggio Bustone, Good Morning Gate recalls of a distant Autumn morning when Francis entered the village greeting everybody saying “Good morning, good people!” Since then, each October 4th, the mayor of Poggio Bustone greets everybody in the same way, accompanied by a drummer. Go through the door and wish everybody a good day!
1
A valley for Francis
During his life, Francis travelled a lot, even as far as Egypt and Palestine, but the valley near Rieti, that is also called the Holy Valley, was one of his favorite places. In 1208, he got to Poggio Bustone with some brethren of his. The Sanctuary can still be visited. Just 30 minutes walk from there, there’s the Revelations Grotto, where they say Francis had visions. Greccio is another village Francis was very familiar with. He lived here in a small house for a long time, then he went to the hermitage on the Mountain. When he was already very sick, shortly before his death, the Saint was also hosted in Fonte Colombo Sanctuary and in the Sanctuary of the Forest, where he wrote part of his poem, Canticle of the Sun.
GA ME lace Rep ith r rs w e b ove num d disc e g an sa els pas l u vow if icle aut ant a be e “C h by t of un” he S t . s f o ci ran St F
1= A Answer on p. 46
2= E
28
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2
2
The hut tree
TEST YOURS
E
LF
Near Rivodutri there’s an ancient tree. It’s a beech featuring twisted boughs and foliage bent downwards, just like a weeping willow. A great thunderstorm took place as Francis was nearby. The Saint took refuge under this beech and spent the night here. In order to protect him from the cold and the bad weather, the good tree bent his boughs down to the ground, taking the shape of a hut. In Rivodutri you’ll also see the alchemist’s gate, a XVI century arch featuring magic symbols very difficult to decipher.
In February, there’s the ricotta game in Greccio. It’s a sort of treasure hunt: the players must find an object hidden in a form of ricotta cheese. They can’t use their hands. Try it yourself, hiding an olive. And remember not to waste leftover ricotta.
Where the nativity was born
Francis wanted to celebrate Christmas in a special way. So he asked the Lord of Greccio to organize a reenactment of the birth of Jesus with a grotto, an ox, a donkey, a crib, and all the rest. The first living nativity scene in history was born in Greccio! Since then, a big living nativity is organized here at Christmas. In the village, there’s also a very rich Nativity Museum.
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3 Salt was the white gold of ancient times. It was necessary to preserve food and was used as pay for soldiers. The word “salary” comes from here.
The Romans’ mountain
The Romans always go skiing on the Terminillo massif. Its highest peak is 2,217 meters. In its ski resorts – hotels, cableways and slopes – a lot of movies have been shot, featuring the most famous actors of all times. Sport and fun can be found in Poggio Bustone too: here many people try paragliding and hang gliding. Rafting is a sport you too can practice: wear your life jacket and helmet, get on the raft, and follow your Guide. You’ll live a fantastic adventure along the river Velino.
Rieti lies at the very center of the Peninsula, this is why it’s called the navel of Italy.
30
On the salt trail
The Holy Valley is green and fertile, but it was a swamp in ancient times. With an incredible feat of engineering, the Ancient Romans were able to divert the river Velino, thus the Valley became as it is nowadays. The Romans were deeply interested in this area, as the Salt trail passed through it. Caravans carrying salt and other goods came from the Adriatic coast and went to Rome. In Rieti city center, you can still see the remains of an ancient Roman bridge. But the real wonder lies underground. Under a building in the historic center, there are the remains of an ancient viaduct, a massive stone road built on an arched structure that allowed caravans to enter the city directly, avoiding flooded areas and swamps.
4
22
Wild animals
In Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes Natural Reserve there are many animals, most of all birds and fish splashing in the clear waters of St. Susan’s springs. I live , wamps e in th s g nests, in oat build fl e underwater s iv d s y insect a alw sh and e is fi ll a m to get s is why my nam r dive – this he Italian fo m o (t h I’ u T ffett o”). In Englis ff e. u b t e “ is ttle gr called li
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LICIO U S RE
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ant Do you w us e a d licio to make a slice tta? On brusche asted made to of home garlic, ub some bread, r until it bina) oil pour (Sa alt to oaked, s is well s hile nd eat w taste, a still hot!
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The jewel of Sabina The Museum of Castelnuovo di Farfa, in Palazzo Perelli, is dedicated to oil. The myth of oil is celebrated in some contemporary artists, then the tradition of olive growing is explained and finally, in the memory room, you can listen to the voices of farmers. A stroll in the countryside will take you to San Donato, where you’ll find the “World’s Olive Trees Garden” that hosts the various species of olive trees grown in the mediterranean area. What are the differences? At the mata n Auto i Moder poli d Monto f o 00 m ome 2 Museu find s l ’l al u o ic ,y han Sabina ll mec a m r, s , e ata of pap autom made s om e r f r tu ists sculp by art l a e t r e a or m . They wood world t e u h o t er s. Find all ov inche w ! y n b ow driven your build how to
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5
Carolingian Abbey
Hills, olive trees, museums, ancient villages, bread and good oil: this is Sabina! And among the green, you’ll see Farfa Abbey, built on the ruins of some Roman buildings. During the Middle Ages, the Abbey was so important that, in 775, Charlemagne granted it autonomy both from the Emperor and from the Pope. He even left as a gift a set of golden objects studded with precious stones. Over the centuries, Farfa was repeatedly destroyed and it was only in 1921 that the monks returned there. During your visit, you’ll see many different styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Look at the columns’ bell-shaped capitals! The coffered ceiling is beautiful: it’s light blue and gold in color. There’s also a library hosting many volumes, some of which were copied and hand-decorated by medieval monks.
6
An oasis for birds
The Nazzano, Tiber-Farfa Regional Natural Reserve is a natural park along the banks of the Tiber. Along its paths, hidden among the reeds, you’ll find several huts from which you can watch birds without disturbing them. There are also two boats floating along the river, allowing you to learn all about its flora and aquatic fauna. In the River Museum in Nazzano, you’ll discover everything on the river Tiber from the geological, botanical and zoological point of view, thanks to various media. You’ll get to know every and each aspect and curiosity of the fluvial ecosystem. Kingfisher
2 Shhh, everybody silent! There’s a museum you must visit in silence… It’s the Museum of Silence, in the Monastery of the Poor Clares in Fara Sabina. In a large room, that is dark in some parts, you’ll find transparent niches containing objects related to the life of the nuns, who took a vow of silence. Meanwhile, images are projected on the ceiling and you can hear sounds all around you. A great charm effect! The visit to the Monastery itself is also interesting, with the ancient kitchen, the dining hall and even a room featuring 17 mummies!
GA ME
Frog
TAWNY OWL
Answer on p. 46
Fou Ti rN Na beraz F t za u a fea r ra l R fa R no, tu es re eg wh er io p ite . C art o ve a nal o n f lo im am t al on r the heir gt bo s m he d c ies ho se ton osin g es .
COYPU
33
Divertimappa
3
Benedict Trail
You’ll roam the streets of a city of a feline name, you’ll see a castle looking like an eagle, you’ll venture in a ghost town. You’ll know how a Roman Emperor relaxed, you’ll hear the melodies of some fountains, you’ll explore a town loved by painters. You’ll climb up to the grotto where Benedict lived, you’ll see an emerald green waterfall, you’ll visit a museum that smells of cookies. You’ll time travel thanks to an ancient calendar and will be amazed by wonderful underground caves. You’ll pass through a gate like those in Ancient Greece, you’ll admire a chemist’s of old times, and you’ll discover that once mammoths used to live in Italy.
1
Mountain lions
7
Heroes’ gates
2
The eagle castle
8
Old time medicine
3
The Emperor’s rest
9
Benedict lives here
- Clear water dreams
34
4
Benedict’s grotto
5
Fallingwater
6
An ancient calendar
d at ed Di th t ow ecia ame n k r c p u y ilk p l yo ta ir m ta I s f o e s o Th s nk em th urse ria? , tha y a e t n ioci rich r th ir i we C e y a th e er om ur d to f r as v p . e n w ng th d a eati e to th ea althy br he
Benedict Trail starts in the Sibillini Mountains, in Umbria, goes down southwards, enters Lazio in Leonessa and reaches Cassino. It goes through paths and trails with little traffic, among valleys, mountains and natural woods. Back to Benedict’s times, these places knew no road signs, but today the trail is wellSnac marked and both pilgrims and tourists can follow it either on k! foot or by bike. Time flows slowly along the trail, roads are Alo unpaved (except for a few ones), metropolis noises seem ng yo sn u c this ac far away, and days are punctuated by sunrises tr an kw ai l Le en ith and sunsets, just like centuries ago. , on jo C :
ya es ak Ve sa r e, F a oli B Mo Gua va re rc ro ad b i lo , Gr no A ean s an gr ma ea Ca re t an tto d M che cio (i.e , es or . e) olo Bu n.
Secco Lake Oasis
1 Leonessa
Rieti Riv
er
Tib
er
2 Rocca Sinibalda Turano Lake
Castel di Tora Borgo di Antuni
Orvinio 2
Tivoli 3
Rome
Gerano
Anticoli Corrado
4 Subiaco
5 Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park
5 Trevi nel Lazio
Collepardo Grottoes
Albano Lake
Veroli 6
8 Certosa di Trisulti Casamari Abbey
Latina
5 Isola del Liri 7 Arpino
Madonna delle Cese Sanctuary
Montecassino 9
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1
Velvet people
Each year, in June, Leonessa streets get crowded. Ladies “pages” and knights are dressed in Renaissance costumes. It’s the Velvet Palio, when parades, shows and horse races, as well as competitions and games for children are organized.
An adventurous Valley Do you fancy trying to walk on a suspension bridge? Or to climb up to nine meters high? Near Fortenova, on Terminillo road, there’s Fagus Park “Eagles Valley”, an adventure park in the woods. Wear your helmet and harness and go!
36
Mountain lions
Back to Benedict’s times, pilgrims walked for days. They went through forests, gorges, streams, hoping to see the walls of a city in the mountains. Leonessa is just like that, even today: an ancient town surrounded by Terminillo peaks. Its name (meaning “lioness”) has nothing to share with majestic maned felines: it comes from “Gonessa”, a family of Gothic origins who lived here during the Middle Ages. However, there are a lot of lions around here. On the town’s coat of arms, a rampant lion roars, while two red stone lions are carved in the drinking fountains inside one of the town’s Gates. Try find them! If you want to see an imposing medieval fortress, not far from Leonessa you’ll find Cittareale Castle, a fortified building featuring a tower pointing North and somehow resembling the bow of a ship.
2
31
The eagle castle
Have you ever heard of a castle resembling an animal? You need some imagination to see it, but some say the ramparts of Rocca Sinibalda Castle resemble the wings of an eagle, or even a scorpion! Inside, there are wonderful Renaissance frescoes, featuring fantasy figures, called grotesques . You’ll walk through large halls where you’ll see a collection of African tribal masks and sculptures and totems made by people of Canada and Alaska. Borgo di Orvinio too was born around a castle. They say the original name of this village was “Canemorto” (i.e. dead dog). Charlemagne’s soldiers called “dead dogs” the Saracens they killed in battle. Somehow macabre, isn’t it?
Ghosts and mazes
Near Castel di Tora, there’s a ghost village! Borgo di Antuni, overlooking Turano Lake, was bombed during the Second World War. Since then, nobody lives there. You can walk a stone maze there. It was built by the artist Renata Garutti a few years ago. You can also admire the light blue water of the lake. While Antuni is the realm of silence, Turano Lake features much life, with water ski, canoe and kayak courses. Small lakes, springs, streams, meadows and woods – Secco Lake Oasis, near Accumoli, is an enchanted place protected by both the European Community and WWF.
GAME
The
Answer on p. 46
re l iv ea of a ni S om ma lot ea ls the re h er ! re’ sa e , bu n t Spo intru d er t it . !
37
3
An ancient subway The Villa occupied such a large territory that Hadrian had a very long tunnel built. Wagons could travel through this underground road, connecting the various buildings. The Emperor couldn’t put up with noises and wanted nothing to disturb his and his guests’ peace. This is why the servants came to the surface only when it was necessary, then they went back to the basement of the Villa. Tunnels were used for everything: transporting food, heat the baths up, run from one room to another. They were a real anthill!
Answer on p. 46
GAM
E
e e p th Hel g th brin r t o n r e va s er Emp d to . o n o a f ri Had
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The Emperor’s rest
Emperor Hadrian did things big. Some 1,900 years ago, he built his magnificent country Villa in Tivoli, a very green place near the mountains, where water flowed in abundance. It was not a Villa in our modern sense: Hadrian’s one was somehow between a town and an amusement park. It featured fountains, ponds, pavilions, gardens, even small islands and fake rivers. During banquets, the guests of the Emperor could watch spectacular water games, then there were theaters, baths, a library, temples, palaces, and of course many lodgings for the servants and the soldiers of the imperial guard. A trip to Hadrian’s Villa will be unforgettable.
B A C
Clear water dreams In Tivoli there’s another extraordinary place: it’s Villa D’Este, built some 500 years ago by Ippolito D’Este, a cardinal who had failed to become Pope. In order to get some consolation, Ippolito decided to build a dream place, where the water flowing from springs could fall, spray and roar among fountains and waterfalls. Nowadays, it is still possible to visit this enchanted garden. Among ponds surrounded by ancient statues of gods, dragons and winged monsters, you’ll stroll along a path lined with 100 spouts of water and stone masks staring at you, while extraordinary water games gush following the rhythm of music in the Organ and Neptune’s fountain.
31 3
Artist beauty Villages often wear nicknames. Anticoli Corrado is also known as the “village of artists and models”. In XIX century, many Italian and foreigner painters came here to paint its wonderful landscapes – and not only them! In Anticoli, girls were so beautiful that artist started to portray them in their paintings and many of these girls became famous models. Perhaps even the model for the painting by Pablo Picasso “the Italienne” was from Anticoli.
Rome in Tivoli Rometta fountain is dedicated to Rome. An ancient stone ship represents the Tiber Island, the first settlement of the Eternal City. Also the twins Romulus and Remus and the She-wolf are featured!
39
A hermit is a person, who decides to live alone,
R
away from the world, in order to meditate and pray.
ID D LE Benedict lived in the
grotto without seeing anyone. How did he get food? A raven brought him food Answer on p. 46
A monk let a basket down using a rope There was a vegetable garden in the grotto
Ravens are well-liked at the Holy Grotto and even have a courtyard dedicated to them!
The ravens’ courtyard Benedict’s success bothered someone. A jealous monk gave the Saint some poisoned bread, but a raven took it away from his hands, thus saving Benedict. And what about the poor raven? Never fear: he let the bread fall into the forest and the following day he reappeared safe and sound at the Monastery window.
40
4
Benedict’s grotto
When he was young, Benedict was a hermit for three years, in a grotto perched on a mountain. It still exists and is called Holy Cave. It is a part of the St. Benedict Monastery, in Subiaco. The Monastery is nestled in the mountains. On the inside, it is a maze of fully frescoed chapels carved into the rocks. Go down the Holy staircase to the Shepherds’Grotto. Here Benedict used to meet the locals. On the outside, there’s the Rose Garden of the Saint, that commemorates when Benedict went amid thorns in order to resist temptation. In Subiaco you can also visit the remains of Nero’s Villa, that belonged to the famous Roman Emperor.
5
31 3
Fallingwater
Castles look wonderful, but actually living there was very uncomfortable. It was really cold, the halls were dark, staicases were steep. On the towers, soldiers scanned the horizon for a glimpse of the enemy. Caetani Castle in Trevi nel Lazio was built to protect the locals from Saracens’ raids. But Aniene Valley is mainly a place of nature. In Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park, walk a short path and, after a clearing, hidden in the wood, you’ll find Trevi waterfall, where the River Aniene gushes out of the rock and flows in an emerald green lake with a jump of a few meters. Another famous waterfall – 28 meters high! – is the one of Isola del Liri, that is in the very town center!
A tin museum Cookies, candies, cocoa and pastry boxes: the Tin Boxes Museum in Gerano is unique in Italy. It reminds an old shop of the last century and can be visited by appointment.
In Trevi nel Lazio you can visit a rich Plant Museum. If you go to the Roe wildlife area, near the small Pertuso lake, you might actually see them – the roes!
GAME
A C an
D
Deer Roe
E
Gazelle Ibex Moose
Answer on p. 46
B C
you ma tch ma ls the ir h and orn s? a ni
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1
A hidden treasure Collepardo Caves are a mysterious world of stalactites and stalagmites, shaped by the droplets of the stream Fiume over millions of years. The largest cave is called Bambocci Cave due to the strange forms created by rocks. The smallest one is the home of a bat colony and can’t be visited. Great Dolina, or Antullo’s Well, is a huge chasm 70 meters deep, the biggest one in Europe. In these caves human skeletons, dating back to the Bronze Age, were found. In Collepardo you’ll also find an Eco-museum dedicated to Herbalism, Karst and local Biodiversity.
G
EAM
experi me
6
An ancient calendar
Many years ago, a Roman marble calendar was found in Veroli. It’s called Fasti Verulani and is a very important find, because such an ancient calendar is very rare! In Veroli, a street theater festival is organized in July and bears the same name, Fasti Verolani. In those days, the old town is invaded by clowns, acrobats, mimes, jugglers, and bands. On the last Sunday before school, Pantasema festival takes place. A puppet roams the streets among floats, then, when night falls, it’s burnt in the square in order to say goodbye to the finishing Summer among dances and fireworks.
nt
e is a lactit a t s tion, A orma one f t op s e the t lim from g n e i t i g han alagm . A st om n t t w o o d he b rom t f ient t s a w p gro very e B . ery rds upwa our v uild y b d e n t a ti . talac ow n s
You need: soda or baking soda Water a woolen thread a spoon a saucer two glass jars
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Pour hot water in both glass jars, until they are half full. Add soda and stir until the water becomes milky. Put the woolen thread between the two jars. Both its end must be immersed in the liquid! Put the saucer between the jars, right under the thread. After a few days, small stalactites will grow under the thread and stalagmites will appear on the saucer.
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Heroes’ gates
Also Arpino Acropolis is surrounded by megalithic walls. The entry gate to the acropolis features a lancet arch – i.e. a pointed arch. It really looks like the legendary Trojan Scaean Gates described in the Iliad. Scaean Gates were built in a peculiar way, as they were not parallel to the walls, but rather oblique. When enemies tried to enter the city, as they usually wore their shields on their left arm, they were always unguarded on their right side and could be hit. In Arpino, Cicero, the famous ancient Roman politician and philosopher, was born.
Recipe: amaretti Ingredients: 200 g ground almonds
50 g ground bitter almonds 300 g sugar 3 eggs (just the whites)
Method:
3
3 3
The Su n day follo the w i ng Fe a s A ss t of ump the t io n , Fe s t do n a de o l t loo all d Go n se istr f alo icts ne , othe whe cha r wi n l leng th t e ea he d the ch onk whe ey r elba ace and rrow , the r ace sac k ra ce.
Colorful small bells The first Sunday in September hundreds of small bells crowd the market in Arpino. They commemorate a distant day, when the church bells started tolling on their own in order to celebrate Our Lady of Loreto, protectress of the town.
Guarcino is famous for its amaretti. Try to ma ke them yourself wit h this super easy recipe!
Combine the sugar and the ground almonds. Whisk the egg whites until stiff: have an adult show you how to do this! Mix the egg whites with the sugar and the almonds. Put small regular mounds in a non-stick baking tin. Turn the oven on at 100 deegrees (Celsius) and ask an adult to bake the amaretti. They must bake for some 40 minutes. Slurp! 43
8 Madonna delle Cese Sanctuary is a small hermitage built
inside a cave. You can get there walking a path starting in Trisulti.
Enigmas on the wall
Hidden in the walls of the Certosa, you’ll find a magic square: its letters always form the same words, no matter in which direction you read them. In Casamari Abbey Museum you’ll see a tusk of Mammuthus meridionalis, a small-size mammoth belonging to the Ice Age.
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Old time medicines
1
Centuries ago, chemist’s shops had no packaged medicines. Chemists made medicines themselves, mixing herbs, berries, essences. At the Certosa di Trisulti, near Collepardo, you can visit a XVIII century chemist’s shop still perfectly intact. Its walls are fully frescoed according to the style of the time and the shelves feature aligned glass or ceramic containers, where the most dangerous ingredients – such as snake poison – were stored. On the outside, there’s a garden with its hedges clipped in fanciful shapes. In the past, the Carthusians grew their medicinal plants here. Another enchanted place is Casamari Abbey, featuring Gothic style, where monks still prepare their medicines.
Benedict lives here
ID D LE
At the foot of the flight of steps to the Cathedral of Montecassino there are two statues. Can you tell who they are? St. Francis and St. Chiara St. Benedict and St. Scholastica St. Augustine and St. Monica
Answer on p. 46
As you already know, St. Benedict escaped poisoning. He still had enemies in Subiaco, so he decided to leave and reached Montecassino, where there was an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. Benedict turned it into a convent and moved there together with other monks: the Abbey was born. The place was lovely and, from the top of the hill, you could see the road going from Northern to Southern Italy. This position, however, was a disaster for the Abbey, that was destroyed several times over the centuries. During the Second World War, it was even bombed by the Americans and razed. The Abbey you see nowadays was completely re-built according to the original model. Here, you’ll walk through cloisters where the monks gather to pray, and you’ll climb the flight of steps leading to the cathedral.
R
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3
Twins and Saints
Benedict and his sister Scholastica were always in touch. Once a year, the twins met in a house midway between Montecassino and the monastery of Scholastica. They were buried together in the Abbey Cathedral.
In Roccasecca you can walk among the ruins of the castle, where another
famous saint was born: St. Thomas Aquinas.
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ANSWER
S
You can find Lina the lizard on pages: 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, 39, 40, 44. P. 3: Santiago de Compostela : B, Jerusalem: C P. 9: Spectacled salamander. It features a dark and rough back, with a V-shaped patch on its head and big black eyes with prominent eyebrows.
P. 10:
P. 15: 6 Differences
P. 16: spikes
P. 17: bow and arrow
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P. 18: grapes-Marino, porchetta- Ariccia, strawberries- Nemi, pupazze- Frascati P. 21: a rosette P. 22: They had one eye only P. 25: Grotto P. 28: Laudato sii, o mio Signore, per sora Luna e le Stelle: in cielo le hai formate limpide, belle e preziose (We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars, in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.) P. 33: Kingfisher’s feathers: light blue, Coypu’s teeth: orange, Tawny Owl’s eyes: black, Frog’s tongue: pink
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P. 37: camel P. 38: C P. 40: A monk let a basket down using a rope P. 41: Deer: A, Roe: D, Gazelle: B, Ibex: E, Moose: C
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P. 45: St. Benedict and St. Scholastica
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Interregional project cofinanced under L. 135/2001 art. 5 par. 5 “Itinerari della fede – Cammini di fede”
AGENZIA REGIONALE DEL TURISMO
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you e r a t is r u o t f o d in TEST! W.. ..h..a..t.. k.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 5) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. You spend your
1) When you visit a museum, you never forget:
A) your headphones to listen to music B) money for postcards C) your mobile phone to take pictures
2)
It’s
Summer
and you’re visiting an
archaeological
area. You take with
................................................................
you:
A) candies B) sunglasses C) a small water bottle
3) You are going
to leave for a new travel. You react this way:
A) you get information about typical dishes of the place B) you look your destination on the map C) you’re too excited to sleep at night
4) Back home, you read your travel diary. You noted down:
A) all the ice-cream shops you tried B) how many km you walked C) everything you did, day by day
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day in a natural
park and take with you:
A) a kite B) a sheet to lie down on the grass C) binoculars
6) When at the seaside, you always have with you:
A) a hat B) sun lotion C) diving mask
7) When roaming a town you never visited before, you take a picture of:
A) yourself near all monuments B) nothing C) everything that interests you
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You scored a majority of A: you are a FROG TOURIST. You jump around with great enthusiasm, but you risk not paying enough attention to what is around you.
You scored a majority of B: you are a CAT TOURIST. You roam every place with great curiosity and no fear. Every now and then, you may get distracted by a colored yarn ball... You scored a majority of C: you are an ELEPHANT TOURIST. Determined, calm and careful, you explore the world around you and remember every detail with your excellent memory.
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N’S MU WHEN DID THE QUEE TO PROCEED?
LES REFUSE
E MONSTER N O ST N A C H C U M W O H LOPEA WHO BUILT THE CYC
S SCARE?
N WALLS?
E SORCERESS H T E C IR C ID D E R E H W BEWITCH ULYSSES? OF ITALY? WHAT IS THE NAVEL HE POISONED T M O R F T IC D E N E B D WHO SAVE BREAD? CHEMIST’S IN D E R O ST N O IS O P WHY IS SNAKE SHOPS?
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .......................e..an.d many other curiosities You’ll find thes for Lazio e p p a m ti r e iv D in both and on the website
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