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Macchia di Gattaceca and Macchia del Barco Nature Reserve: 1,000 hectares of woods and caves
The Macchia di Gattaceca and Macchia del Barco Nature Reserve covers approximately 1,000 hectares between the Tiber River valley and the Cornicolani Mountains, spanning three municipalities: Monterotondo, Mentana, and Sant'Angelo Romano. Established in 1997, it is a piece of the Roman countryside that has remained intact — hills covered with oak forests, pastures, and Sabina olive groves — just a half-hour drive from the ring road.
Oak forests, foxes, and karst phenomena
The landscape is hilly, dense with deciduous oak woods and an undergrowth rich in biodiversity. Foxes and badgers move among the trees; little owls and barn owls fly overhead. But the real highlight lies underfoot. The area is dotted with caves, sinkholes, and swallow holes — the result of karst phenomena typical of this zone.
Oil, pastures, and farms
The reserve contains vast areas of farmland and pastures where cattle and sheep are still raised today. The olive groves of local farms produce the world-renowned Sabina olive oil.
