Rocca di Cave
Discovering Rocca di Cave: A Town Immersed in Nature and History
If you are looking for a peaceful place to enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes and breathe in the air of a historically rich location, Rocca di Cave is definitely worth a visit. This municipality, with its 363 inhabitants, is located in the Lazio region and is considered the second highest town in the province of Rome, nestled in the sub-Apennine range.
The Physical Geography of Rocca di Cave
Rocca di Cave is located specifically in the southern slope of the Prenestini Mountains, at an altitude of 933 meters above sea level. The land on which the town is built used to be part of a massive coral barrier reef approximately 100 million years ago: even today, visitors can admire fossils from that period through guided tours organized by the A. Desio museum in the town.
The mountain of Manno, on which Rocca di Cave was founded, was also an active volcano until a few million years ago, which is why volcanic rocks can be found there. In 2016, a very important archaeological discovery was made: the remains of a sauropod (dubbed Tito) that lived around 112 million years ago. This discovery allowed experts to assert that during the Lower Cretaceous period, the Italian peninsula was much larger, which would have facilitated the movement of dinosaurs from Africa to Europe.
The climate of Rocca di Cave falls within zone E, with an average annual rainfall of 2958 mm.
The History of Rocca di Cave
The origins of Rocca di Cave date back to 850, when Benedictine monks from Subiaco intervened in the construction of the Rocca as a defense against Saracen raids. Subsequently, the town was often owned by the Colonna family, until the end of the 19th century, after various disputes with the papacy.
In the 9th century, Rocca di Cave was called "Castle of the Holy Three," named after the existing churches of Santa Maria, San Pietro, and San Michele Arcangelo. The name Rocca di Cave first appeared only in 1125.
What characterizes Rocca di Cave from a historical point of view are the defensive walls and fortresses built to protect the inhabitants from Saracen and Norman raids.
What to Visit in Rocca di Cave
For those who love history and archeology, a visit to the defensive walls and Rocca is a must. In addition, it is also possible to visit the town's churches, including the most important one, Santa Maria della Neve, dating back to the 13th century.
For nature lovers, there are many hiking trails that allow visitors to admire the natural landscapes of the area. In particular, the trails of Monte Manno allow for the viewing of coral barrier reef fossils and stunning panoramic views.
Cultural Events in Rocca di Cave
In the summer, Rocca di Cave comes alive thanks to the various cultural events organized by the municipality. A highly anticipated event is the patron saint's feast in honor of Saint Francis of Paola, which takes place on April 2. In addition, in August, there are various events that liven up the town's evenings, such as the Pappardelle and Porcetto festivals.
In conclusion, Rocca di Cave is a small treasure nestled in the Prenestini Mountains that is certainly worth a visit to appreciate its historical and natural heritage.
