To escape from the confusion of the big city, here is a recommended place to rediscover our history and immerse yourself in the relaxation of nature.
What to see in Sant'Oreste on Monte Soratte, between history and nature, a few kilometers from Rome. Where to eat, how to get there, where to sleep and much more in the small village of Lazio.
Monte Soratte, a magnificent view
To those who live their chaotic days in a metropolis now saturated with traffic and noise, it may seem almost impossible to listen only to the silence of nature, to rediscover its scents. Walking in the fairy tale forest surrounded only by trees that occasionally thin out to give way to a spectacular view of the valley that surrounds the Monte Soratte.
Stretch your gaze and be able to see, on clear days, the Lake Bracciano, the sea or the Mount Terminillo. Almost dreaming of flying to the top of the mountain is not unusual, with the spectacular 360 degree view.
Admire the little one Village of Sant'Oreste enclosed within its fortified walls, which is there, almost dozing, among the clouds that touch it. Visit the Anti-atomic bunker, wanted by Mussolini, which extends for kilometers inside the belly of the Soratte mountain. All this and much more, you will find it here in Sant'Oreste, a few kilometers from Rome.
Sant'Oreste
Sant'Oreste, is located about 45 km from Rome and is connected to it by the highway and the SS Flaminia. Located 420 meters above sea level on a spur of Mount Soratte. The town of Sant'Oreste or as it was called in antiquity, Holy Rest, has a medieval village surrounded by city walls dating back to the XII / XIV century. which served to protect the country but above all its economy, which in those days was very flourishing.
The walls are still visible and well preserved. To interrupt the bursting walls we find three large doors that allow access to the village, P.orta Ladentro, Portacosta and Portavalle. Among the monuments to visit we remember the Church of San Lorenzo Martire, Palazzo Caccia, the Church of San Biagio, San Nicola and Santa Croce; the Church of Santa Mara Hospitalis and the Church of Sant'Edisto which are located outside the walls.
The interior of the country
Park in the large free car park below the Borgo di Sant'Oreste, go up the staircase to the top, and you will find yourself in front of a large door that will lead you into the town. From here, turning right you will find the Piazza del Comune, the Library, the Museum and the Convent Gardens, which have just been restored. Turning left you will begin to go up and turn among the many alleys, arches and stairways that will show you the most suggestive corners of the town, passing through the churches up to the "Spiazzo". The old village Sant'Oreste is not very big and with a couple of hours you can visit its monuments connected by alleys and steps that create irresistible views.
Natural reserve of Monte Soratte
Or rather, the Monte Soratte nature reserve, extends for 444 hectares on the surface of the mountain and reaches an altitude of 693 meters above sea level. It has a limestone formation which, over the years, has created interesting karst phenomena such as Grotto of Santa Lucia, the Meri or Blue Cave.
Monte Soratte is a singular formation, it can be recognized from the whole valley below, but also from more distant areas, because it is a isolated mountain and seen from some angles it may look like the profile of a sleeping giant.
Trails to choose from
Once in the village of Sant'Oreste you can decide how to proceed to explore the mountain. You can start from the life path, a flat road for about 1,5 km from where the various paths start or immediately start climbing the mountain passing through the Madonna delle Grazie path that will lead you to Monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie (asphalted path). Here too there will be other paths that you can take such as the Carbonare, the Sentiero degli Eremi etc.
From 'Hermitage of San Silvestro you can admire a breathtaking landscape across the valley. From here many people come from the surrounding villages to paraglide.
Monte Soratte is the ideal place to spend a day in contact with nature between walks and sports activities that you can practice on the special tools placed in the Life Path. Tables and benches are arranged along the various paths to make comfortable stops and snacks.
The fallout bunker
Yes, a bunker was built inside Monte Soratte years ago to protect the high offices of the Italian government.
Thanks to the formation and position of the mountain, Monte Soratte was chosen by Mussolini as the ideal place to build the bunker. An intertwining of about 4 km of tunnels, reinforced and in some places made impenetrable, which had to withstand the bombings, but never finished. In 1943, when Germany occupied the territory, these galleries were taken by the Nazis who continued the works.
Many inhabitants of Sant'Oreste participated in the construction of the excavations and various works, inside a real headquarters had been built with recreational rooms, dormitories, halls and lodgings for the rulers, control rooms and more. But the most interesting thing was precisely the anti-atomic part reserved only for a small number of people and completely armored. The most exciting and exciting anniversary is theopening of the Bunker in May, where it is rebuilt and you can relive that moment. The passage of planes, tanks, motorcycles, vans, camps and figures with Nazi clothes will make you live unforgettable moments.
Where to eat
A very nice and characteristic place to eat is located inside the village, from Alessandro at the Campanile.
A restaurant where you can eat well is located below the village, at the intersection with Via Flaminia and is the restaurant da Romano, da Remigio.
Or you can eat at Pub by Cruscioff which is on the way to the Life Path.
Bars and pizzerias are present both at the entrance of the town and inside the village.
Accomodation
A place that I would like to recommend is an old farmhouse, like those found in Tuscany, surrounded by greenery, with a swimming pool and a beautiful view of the town. The name is Estate of Verzano il Casale. Magnificent place, exquisite people, moderate cost.
However there are also other B & Bs.
How to get to Sant'Oreste
From Rome it is possible to reach Monte Soratte by the via Flaminia, after Rignano Flaminio you will find the indications for Sant'Oreste.
From the A1 motorway, take the Ponzano Romano exit, then follow the signs.
By train, from Piazzale Flaminio station direction Viterbo.
