E-1 in Southern Latium

Route

Path E1 returns from Abruzzo to Lazio at Camporotondo (1417 m) and crosses the entire Monti Simbruini Park from east to west. We visit some typical places of religious worship of the local populations, such as the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità di Vallepietra, carved into the rock under a 250 m sheer wall, and climb up to the 1855 m peak of Monte Autore, a beautiful panoramic viewpoint over the Simbruini Mountains Park. We descend and visit the Sanctuary of the Sacro Speco, built around the cave where St Benedict of Norcia took refuge to live as a hermit in the early 6th century. We then reach the monastery of Santa Scolastica in the territory of Subiaco (400 metres above sea level). From here we follow the Way of St. Benedict, continuing southwards in the Monti Simbruini Park, going up the valley of the river Aniene to Trevi, 800 metres above sea level. Descending further south, one enters the Monti Ernici, reaching Collepardo (600 m), the nearby Certosa di Trisulti (800 m above sea level), the valley of the Amaseno river and the Abbey of Casamari (300 m above sea level), then the Liri river, crossing heavily man-made areas such as Castelliri, Isola del Liri and Arpino (500 m). We descend in altitude and travel through the Melfa Gorge reaching Roccasecca (250 metres above sea level). Still following the Way of St. Benedict at the foot of Mount Cairo, we arrive at the Abbey of Montecassino (500 m above sea level), along the Gustav Line, theatre of the last war. We descend to Cassino (38 m above sea level) along the paving of an ancient Roman road and visit some archaeological remains. We ascend from Cassino along the Rapido river, regaining altitude in two stages, about 500 m per stage, until we reach La Selva Lake (900 m above sea level), where the Latium E1 trail ends and we enter Molise.

From the villages along the Liri River, however, it is possible to follow a variant that enters the area of the Lazio side of the Abruzzo Park. From Isola del Liri you reach Sora (280 m a.s.l.), Pescosolido (650 m a.s.l.), Campoli Appennino (630 m a.s.l.), Lake Posta Fibreno with its clear and transparent water, Posta Fibreno (430 m a.s.l.), the three-tiered pyramid with the villages of Castello, Peschio and Alvito and finally the beautiful village of San Donato Val di Comino (640 m a.s.l.), one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, in the heart of Ciociaria, famous for its food products. From San Donato, we reach Atina (439 metres above sea level), Villa Latina (461 metres above sea level), San Biagio Saracinisco (820 metres above sea level) and finally Lake La Selva (900 metres above sea level), where the Latium section ends and the Molise section begins.

Practical

Medical Problems (NOT Emergency):  phone    116 117

Emergency (any): phone 112

Accomodation and Food

inserire proloco manda Virzì

Gear

The stages of the E1 trail in southern Lazio are mainly in a medium-mountainous and very varied environment, ranging from Mediterranean scrub to limestone rock typical of the Apennine mountains, so a good workout and suitable clothing (modulated according to the season) are required. All the stage points coincide with a village or a reasonably inhabited town and therefore always offer the possibility of refuelling with water as well as overnight accommodation and refreshments; however, it is always advisable to telephone before setting off. During the winter period, some mountain huts or B&Bs may be closed. The warm welcome of the local population is worth mentioning. 

Useful Links

https://www.valledelsalto.it

https://www.vmappenninocentrale.it

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fielazio