Subiaco, in the heart of the Lazio Apennines
Ready to immerse yourself in a corner of Italy rich in history, culture, traditions, nature and sport? All this is located in Subiaco, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and set in one of the most evocative landscapes of the Lazio Apennines.
The ancient mediaeval village stands on a rocky hill and looks towards oak and beech forests that frame the village. Already in Roman times, this place was a holiday destination since it is located a stone's throw from the city but in a natural paradise that today is part of the Monti Simbruini Regional Natural Park.
St Benedict of Norcia lived here for 30 years. He chose this place as his retreat of choice and built no less than 12 monasteries here that are still visited by pilgrims from all over the world. It was in one of these monasteries that the first Italian printing house was established in 1465.
The Simbruini Mountains, discovering beech forests
Leave the village and start cycling along the paths of one of the largest nature reserves in Lazio, which is also home to the largest highland beech forest in Europe. It is the Mount Simbruini Regional Nature Park, a small hidden paradise, just a few kilometres from the capital. People come here in winter to ski and in summer to walk, ride mountain bikes and go horseback riding. The road is uphill and lined with beech trees. The ascent is steady but never too hard to prevent you from enjoying the view.
Mount Livata, the mountain of Rome
They call it the mountain of Rome because it can be reached in just an hour from the capital and it is the place where Romans escape to find coolness in summer and enjoy the snow in winter. Mount Livata, specifically Camp of the Bone, is the destination of this short but enchanting trip to the Apennines. From Camp of the Bone there are several paths to be followed on foot or by mountain bike.
