Corbara

3 jewels in the Tiber River Park.

The village of Corbara, the lake, the Forello Gorges... only a taste of countless treasures

The Tiber River Park is a treasure trove of wonders: archaeological sites and prehistoric settlements, villages and castles, oasis and wetlands, caves and gorges, forests populated by deer, mouflons and a variety of migratory and resident birds... We have chosen three: just a taste.

1 - The wilderness of the Forello Gorges

Nestled between the Peglia Mountains and the Amerini Mountains, in the area between Todi and Orvieto, the waters of the Tiber make their way through the narrow Forello Gorges: high and jagged banks reaching almost 200 metres, a dense vegetation, karstic coves and magnificent cave complexes carved over the centuries by water into the calcareous rock. A true wonder of nature.

The Forello Gorges are an ideal destination for speleology enthusiasts. Not to be missed, the "Pozzi della Piana" caves, accessible from Roccaccia, near the ancient village of Titignano, on the right bank of the Tiber. 2,500 metres into the bowels of the earth, in a labyrinth of tunnels - and stalactites and stalagmites - where artefacts dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages have been found. Equally exciting is the Vorgozzino cave: the entrance is a chute in the centre of a sinkhole and then all the way down in a 123 metres deep well.

The landscape shaped by the river waters is impervious and wild, primordial, with no obvious traces of human presence. Not only caving enthusiasts, but also climbing lovers will find satisfaction here: an equipped crag with more than 20 routes, to be practised especially during spring and autumn or in summer mornings. It is located on the left bank of the Tiber, before the Lake Corbara. There are also plenty of trails along the river or through the woods to immerse in nature at a slow pace.

2 - Lake Corbara

Lake Corbara has a pretty recent history: it originated in 1962 after the construction of a dam for hydroelectric power generation and soon became a paradise for fishing and a destination for active and naturalistic tourism. Many sports and activities can be practised in this corner of Umbria: canyoning, canoeing, stand up paddling, caving... Birdwatchers will also find enjoyment, given the presence of a large number of herons. But even relaxation fans will not be disappointed at all!

3 - Corbara

The lake takes its name from Corbara, a tiny village that stands right next to the dam, to the south. The ancient village is enchanting, dominated by its castle, a fortified mediaeval complex with a rectangular plan and an inner courtyard, a loggia and a circular tower, surrounded by ancient oaks. From Corbara's panoramic viewpoints, the eyes embrace the lake and the surrounding fields of lush vines and aromatic olive trees. 

Bacchus' friends will be glad to know that, thanks to the special soil quality and the microclimate of the lake, the wines produced in the hills between Corbara and Baschi had gained a specific high quality denomination in 1998: “Lago di Corbara DOC”. The food lovers, instead, are reminded of an unmissable culinary event: the traditional "Sagra dell'Oca" (or goose festival), in June. The undisputed protagonist is obviously the roasted goose, traditionally eaten in ancient times to celebrate the end of wheat threshing.

Is there more? Oh yes, there is much more. The pleasure of discovery is all yours!

Credit to: Andrea Arbia