Overview

Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve

A treasure trove of biodiversity

Two rivers and a lake mark the boundaries of a spectacular natural area of wetlands, reed beds and trees resistant to the flooding of the waterways. The protagonists of so much beauty are the Tiber River, the Farfa River and the Nazzano Lake, which together give life to the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve, the first protected area to be established in Lazio to keep intact one of the largest and most important wetlands in the region.

Why it is special

Such an environment offers an irresistible lure for many animals, both birds (such as the grey heron, peregrine falcon, brown kite and many others) and terrestrial animals (porcupines, wild boars and foxes) to be observed from turrets and huts, or even from boats cutting through the Tiber. The Reserve has been declared a Site of Community Interest and a Special Protection Area, a proof of its ecological and environmental value.

Not to be missed

If you look for a complete immersion in nature, the Reserve is the place to be. Many safe paths, suitable even for less experienced walkers, allow to penetrate into the lush vegetation. But since we are in fact in the realm of water, you should not miss another adventurous experience: exploring the Reserve by boat, slowly following the course of the Tiber River and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. There are two docks, one in Torrita Tiberina and the other in Nazzano, also connected to each other by a trail, with a longer variant going as far as Sant'Oreste.

A bit of history

Lake Nazzano's history is a fairly recent one. It began, in fact, with the construction of a dam for the production of electricity, between 1953 and 1955. The structure, which arose close to the confluence of the Tiber and the Farfa River, caused the flooding of the surrounding areas, giving birth, therefore, to a small lake. This created an environment so rich in terms of biodiversity that it became a Nature Reserve, that is even mentioned in the Ramsar Convention, signed in Iran in 1971, to protect those areas of crucial importance for wildlife, especially for birds.

Good to know

The Farfa Gorges also belong to the Reserve area: a true paradise for trekkers and nature lovers. Their lush vegetation and icy, crystal-clear water are the protagonists of an unspoiled nature. Over the centuries, the incessant flow of water has created canyons and bends surrounded by beautiful forests of holm oaks, hornbeams and Turkey oaks.

Credit to: Marco Martinoli

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