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surroundings |
The
volcanic landforms of the Alban Hills are also of great
geological and naturalistic interest.
 These,
the nearest ones to Rome enlose the Roman country-side
to the south-east, appearing with their highest peaks
up to the centre of the capital.
The long ancient lava flows which descended down the valleys
appear along the via Ardeatina road and the Via Appia.
Beetween Monte Porzio and Montecompatri the steep vine-covered
slopes descend to the motorway (Autostrada del sole) which
wanders half-way up to the hills at the beginning of its
journey towards Naples and the south.
 Dotted
with fifteen towns all noted as places ideal for day trips
and picnics (FRASCATI, ALBANO, MARINO,
LANUVIO, GENZANO, NEMI, ROCCA di PAPA, ROCCA PRIORA, GROTTAFERRATA,
MONTECOMPATRI, MONTEPORZIO). The Roman Castles
descending even more rapidly toward the Pontine Plain;
and the gentle hills between Velletri and Cori separated
by the calcareous chain of Monti Lepini when observed
at sunset show great contrast against the line of the
coast. The highly noted presence of Lake Albano and Nemi,
the ruins of Tuscolo, and the road Via Sacra alternate
in the Castles Area with ancient ruins and mediaeval crags
which emerge out of the countryside which need to be visited
with resourcefulness and spirit of adventure. On the other
side of the central crater and Monte Cavo, the part which
is most "natural" and "wild" of the
Castles opens out, namely Vivaro and Artemisio, with the
steep ridges descending towards VELLETRI and LARIANO.
Here in the Regional Park of the Roman Castles there are
noteworthy species of arboreous and floreate species of
great interest. |
| Activities |
As well as being famous for gastronomical and touristic
culture, the Roman Castles also offer opportunities for
sport. The water in the lakes, the paths winding their
way through the woods, the green meadows, flowery rocks
ideally present themsewes for autodoor activities. The
woods are routes for parties of scouts, the roads for
groups of cyclists.
Windsurfing and canoing may be done on Lake Albano (where
there is a canonig centre belonging to C.O.N.I).
 For
those who like horsemanship there are numerous riding
schools and where lessons and excursions are offered to
beginners and more skillful riders. These horse riding
activities are at "Pratoni del Vivaro" with
the central federation C.O.N.I. reserved for athletes
and horses at a ligh level.
Hang-gliding, one of the extreme sports can be tried to
feel the thrill of throwing oneself off steep slopes to
fly. For visitors who prefer peaceful walks which are
not two long and easily reached, the Alban Hills offer
a choice of excursions of great beauty and striking views.
Despite the intrusive asphalt roads there are still many
ancient routes along which one can walk, which link sanctuaries
and mediaeval villages. The further development of excursions
is necessary to give more credit to the area with the
addition of signposts. The Roman Castles Regional Park
and Velletri Council have pain-stakingly worked out various
itineraries. |
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