The ancient Castrum of Castiglione

Are you enthusiastic about archaeology, history and nature? Then the Castrum of Castiglione is the right place for you! The park is wonderful all year round, but in spring you will be surrounded by a riot of colors and scents of a thousand species of flowers, such as the Styrax officinalis, symbol of the park. Along the way, it is easy to come across tracks of the wolf that lives peacefully in this paradise. The remains of the past, framed by the bright colors of the flowering of the Judas trees and brooms, can still be clearly distinguished from the vegetation. It is impossible not to be struck by the view that can be enjoyed from up there. Dozens of medieval villages dominated by the remains of castles! Each of them has its own story, sometimes linked to powerful families, such as the Savelli, who created a small empire here!

The wealthy members of the roman family Savelli decided to build a castrum on top of a small summit of the Monti Lucretili, which overlooked one of the feudal properties, Palombara Sabina. To reach it, you need to venture into the Regional Natural Park of Monti Lucretili. Your walk will be accompanied by a permanent display of travertine works of contemporary art scattered both along the path and in the surrounding woods. You will discover the origin of the Styrax officinalis, symbol of the Park. This plant native to the Balkans has mysteriously popped up in Sabina. This is the only place, along with Monte Catillo Natural Reserve of Tivoli, where the intense fragrance of its splendid white flowers can be experienced. It is easy to see the tracks of the wolf along the way At the end of the path, the majestic walls of the fortification appear to be enclosing both the keep and the village lived long time ago. You will discover construction techniques for defensive purposes against enemy attacks and what the settlers cultivated on the surrounding properties of the Savelli family. Traces of the ancient romans can also be found in this area, as shown by the massive polygonal walls at the foot of the village. Is this perhaps an ancient lost city? Find out with us by exploring the ghost villages with local guides!