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The Insugherata Nature Reserve: the wild heart of northern Rome
Not many people know that between the Via Cassia and the Via Trionfale, in the very heart of northern Rome, lies a “green lung” extending for 740 hectares. This is the Riserva Naturale dell'Insugherata, a piece of authentic Roman countryside that has survived the advance of urbanisation. A place where nature reigns, and history surfaces at every turn. It is also crossed by an official stretch of the Via Francigena that pilgrims still walk today on their way to Saint Peter's.
The fake Tomb of Nero
Along the Via Cassia there is an impressive monument, long known as "Nero’s Tomb". It is actually the sepulchre of Publius Vibius Marianus, a Roman prefect of the 2nd century. And that is not the only surprise: the area also shelters the remains of several villas, and even an Etruscan settlement.
A cork oak forest in the city
The reserve takes its name from the many sughère — cork oak trees — that define its landscape. Walking its trails means leaving the traffic behind in a matter of minutes. It is another world. Here woodland gives way to pastures and valleys, where it is easy to spot wildlife, from porcupines to foxes, and to hear the calls of the nocturnal raptors nesting among the trees.
The reserve extends across the northern quarter of Rome, between the Via Cassia, Via Trionfale and Via Cortina d'Ampezzo. Access is free from multiple entry points. As it is a large natural area, it is advisable to consult a trail map before setting out.
