Places
Park·Easy·Scenic·Hidden gem
Riserva di Monterano, Viterbo
Lazio
The Riserva Naturale di Monterano in the Monti della Tolfa preserves an abandoned city — the medieval town of Monterano was evacuated in 1799 after malaria and bandits depopulated it. A Bernini church (Sant'Agata, 1675), the Orsini castle and the town gate survive in the forest. Sulphur springs bubble at the base of the tufa cliff. Porcupine and roe deer. Dogs off-leash.
Duration
2.5 hours
Distance
6 km
Elevation
+150 m
Best season
Year-round
Highlights
- Abandoned Baroque city with a Bernini church (1675) swallowed by forest
- Evacuated in 1799 — malaria and bandits emptied the entire population
- Sulphur springs at the tufa cliff base
With your dog
Reserve trail; dogs off-leash.
