Vallepietra
Discovering Vallepietra: a medieval village surrounded by the mountains of Lazio
Vallepietra is an enchanting medieval village located in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital in Lazio, precisely on the borders of the province of Frosinone to the south and a few kilometers from the province of L'Aquila. The village, which has only 244 inhabitants, is located at an altitude of 825 meters above sea level on a spur of Mount Faito.
Physical geography
Territory
Vallepietra is a mountainous territory, perched on a spur of Mount Faito. The mountains that surround it are up to 2000 meters high, such as Monte Tarino, Monte Tarinello, Monte Autore, and Tagliata. To the south of the village is the valley of Trevi nel Lazio, Filettino, and Campo Staffi, in the province of Frosinone. The extreme outskirts of the built-up area range from an altitude of 772 meters up to 880, all concentrated between alleys and squares with the town hall, located in the main square (Piazza Italia), at 825 meters.
Orography
The territory of Vallepietra includes 4 of the highest peaks in the province of Rome and among the highest in Lazio: Monte Autore (1853), Monte Tarino (1959), Monte Tarinello (1844), and Colle della Tagliata (1670), home to the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity (Vallepietra) (1240). The village is located on the northern slope of Mount Faito (1442), the northern foothill of Monte Tarino.
Hydrography
From the mountain arc of the Vallepietra valley, seven torrents originate and flow, providing water to many municipalities, so much so as to be the largest water source basin (hydrology) in Europe. The Simbrivio, which rises at an altitude of about 1100 meters, receives tributaries from the entire valley and flows into the Aniene, which cuts through the homonymous valley, crossing the municipalities of Subiaco, Tivoli, and Rome.
The unspoiled nature of Vallepietra
Mountain lovers cannot miss visiting Vallepietra, which offers breathtaking views in every season of the year. The mountains that surround the village are rich in woods and grasslands, which covered with snow and immobilized by frost offer Nordic landscapes, among beaten paths, which are covered with abundant snow almost four months a year. Visitors may come across suggestive scenarios and encounter wild animals such as foxes, wolves, and bears.
Tourist attractions in Vallepietra
Vallepietra is famous for its Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity, located on Colle della Tagliata. The sanctuary, a destination of many pilgrimages, dates back to the sixteenth century, but legend has it that there was already a temple dedicated to Saturn on the hill in Roman times. The village of Vallepietra, despite its small size, offers numerous tourist attractions such as the cave of San Nicola, the botanical garden of Collelungo, and the adventure park Sospeso nel Verde.
Local cuisine
The local cuisine of Vallepietra is linked to mountain agriculture and pastoralism and offers genuine and authentic dishes. Among the typical products, you can taste sheep mortadella, porcini mushrooms, pork meat, potatoes, and local cheese.
How to reach Vallepietra
Vallepietra is reachable by car from Rome, taking the A24 and exiting at Mandela, then taking the provincial road 45. Alternatively, if you want to reach Vallepietra by bus, you can take the Co.Tra.L from Rome Tiburtina station and get off at Vallepietra.
Vallepietra is an enchanting and suggestive place, immersed in unspoiled nature and ancient traditions. If you love the mountains and want to spend a few days away from the chaos of the city, you cannot miss this unique and spectacular destination!
