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Town: ARICCIA
This delightful elliptical-shaped valley, with steep slopes with an height
of 25 metres, marks the volcanic origin of this area. The valley
is an ancient crater which originated a lake, later on dried
up.
Area's natural characteristics
The whole valley is destined to cultivations and only near the
slopes it is possible to recognize spontaneous plants, such
as broom, and ancient ilexes and English oaks near Colle Pardo.
The flat land has been transformed by human intervention and
therefore it is impossible to encounter particularly interesting
animals. There are: sparrows, goldfinches, serins and green
linnets. In the water of the drainage ditches there are: frogs,
toads and the newts. This is a newt, small in size, 10-15 cm
long considering also its tail, and with an orange abdomen.
During reproduction the males of this kind have a crest on the
back to attract females. Among reptiles there is the rat snake,
a kind of harmless dark snake with yellow spots that can reach
a length of 150 cm.
Place
The ancient crater can be seen from Ariccia's viaduct,
along the via Appia (S.S.7). This flat land is crossed by asphalted
streets that can be reached directly from Ariccia.
Roads and Public Transports
By Car: From Rome, cross via Appia Nuova following the
road signs leading to Albano Laziale and Ariccia. The car can
be parked in front of Ariccia's Town Hall, to walk till
the viewpoint.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Albano Laziale
at a distance of three kilometres. There is a train starting
each hour from Rome. It will take you 50 minutes to reach Albano
Laziale. For information on train timetable call the phone number
848888088 or visit the web page www.fs-on-line.it.
By Bus: Rome-Velletri. (Cotral bus service phone number
800431784, phone number 067222153.) from the underground station
‘Anagnina' of the Linea A. It will take you about
50 minutes to reach Ariccia. The bus-stop is in Piazza di Corte.
Topic:
Geology, landscape
Visits
There is free access to the valley except for the private zones.
There is no possibility for guided visits.
Tourist signs
Absent.
Further Information
Web sites: www.pcg.it/comune-ariccia/fotochig.htm, www.castellionline.com,
www.hurricane.it/castelliromani.
Books: AA.VV., 1993. 14 Routes – Lazio.
Guide geologiche regionali, vol. 5. Società Geologica
Italiana, Roma.
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