We are in the Nature Reserve of Monte Casoli of Bomarzo, with all of its 85 hectares with splendid forests, streams, and archaeological remains.
A few steps up from where you leave the car (look on the map; the menu is to the right), and you are at the crest of Mount Casoli; looking at Bomarzo we go towards the left on an evident path, which in a few minutes will take us to the ancient trench with remains of the wall, which defended the town on its only easily accessible side.
The oldest remains (and the most attractive) are surely the Etruscan ones, with large cavities dug into the tufo, colored yellow by the lichens. It seems that this place was a necropolis (the lowest cavities), which was an actual inhabited area in which buildings were in part dug into the tufo and in part constructed.
After the Roman conquest, the location depopulated, and there is little evidence from that era, but among that that does exist should be mentioned a beautiful columbarium sepulchre, which is located following the defensive trench in the direction of Bomarzo and passing under a tufo arch to the right.
Seven-hundred years ago, following the barbaric invasions, this crest surrounded by tufo walls had a solid defense constructed and was again inhabited and fortified; so, today the Etruscan remains are linked to the medieval ones.
Considering the complexity of this place, it is impossible an itinerary; we suggest exploring the area and letting your curiosity guide you. Do not miss the Y-shaped carving, probably making up the Etruscan entry.
Having finished visiting the archaeological area and returning to the car, you can continue the walk through the Nature Reserve by simply following the ridge of Mount Casoli, this time going towards the right.
Selava di Malano and San Nicolao
Magical Etruscan and medieval remains, in a sacred wooded nature reserve
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The hill of Mount Casoli with the Etrucan tombs |
Etruscan remains |
Columbarium, burial ground from the Roman era |
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Etruscan clearing in the tufo |
Areas carved into the tufo |
Mount Casoli in winter |
Mount Casoli in winter |
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Etruscan clearing |
Roman columbarium |
Bomarzo from Mount Casoli, at sunset |
Monte Casoli di Bomarzo
Photographer:
Matteo Bordini Written by: Matteo Bordini The photographers and writers hold the copyright to their works and allow for their non-exclusive use by Rural Journey and Vagabondo for their publication in "Italy Travelguide". |