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Town: VELLETRI
The road “via dei Laghi”, after the crossroads with Pratoni del
Vivaro, continues following a tortuous path, crossing chestnut
woods, and flanking Monte Spina and the Maschio dell'Artemisio
Mount. This mount belongs to the Artemisia range, and towers
over Velletri, a town with splendid vineyards and very ancient
olive groves. This place is perfect for those which love walking.
Together with the natural beauty of the mountain it is possible
to see ancient ruins of Roman buildings right on the summit
of this mount.
The Mounts of the Artemisio together with the “Tuscolana”
range represent what is left of the huge laziale volcano, whose
activity ended more than 20.000 years ago. Towards north in
front of the Artemisia range there are the Pratoni del Vivaro
meadows, on the internal ring of the laziale volcano. The Artemisia
range, with its ditches and torrents rich in rainy water is
characterized by thick and shadowy chestnut woods. The Maschio
dell'Artemisio slope in front of the Pratoni del Vivaro, belongs
to the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani and the other slope
too should be introduced within the Parco Regionale dei Castelli
Romani.
Area's Natural Characteristics
The abundant quantity of edible boletus, of galletti and other
type of mushrooms explains why there are a lot of people looking
for them along the paths surrounded by chestnuts and ilexes.
The latter kind of trees is very common on the southern-east
slope of the Maschio dell'Artemisio; they are characterized
by their evergreen leafage that they show up during autumn and
winter, when the chestnuts loose their leaves. On the northern-west
slope there are common beeches which once, before the chestnuts
were planted, extended on a wider area. The Monte Artemisio
saddle divides the northern slope, cooler and characterized
by common beeches, from the southern slope warmer and characterized
by evergreen Mediterranean plants, such as the brooms, whose
brushes were once utilized from coalmen to create brooms to
clean the charcoal kilns. Walking through the woods you can
see the hazel-nutshells opened with a clean cut, sign of the
presence of the red-footed falcon, a small tawny dormouse living
in the brushes. As far as the signs is concerned, it is also
possible to see the spines and the footprints of the porcupine.
For this rodent, the spines are an important protection device,
which it can stick out when attacked. Among the other most numerous
animals there is the fox, living generally in the woods, but
it can reach the cultivated lands and the town to find food.
It eats small rodents but also rubbish, and in autumn fruits
and berries.
Place
It is possible to see the Maschio dell'Artemisio from
Velletri Graveyard. From this place, cross via Figlioli, till
the homonymous quarter, then cross via Fontana Marcaccio till
the fountain, where you can park the car. Turn to the left and
after 200 metres turn to the right on the path leading on the
summit (1 km).
Roads and Public Transports
By car: From Rome cross via Appia nuova (S.S. 7, slip-road
23 of the G.R.A.), following the directions toward Albano and
Velletri. Once in Velletri follow the directions toward the
graveyard.
By train: The nearest railway station is that of Velletri.
The line is Rome-Velletri. There is a train starting from Rome
each hour. It will take you an hour to reach Velletri. (For
information on train timetable call the phone number 848888088
or visit the web page www.fs-on-line.it.
From the railway station you can take a local bus till the graveyard.
By Bus: Rome-Velletri. (Cotral bus service phone number
800431784, phone number 067222153) from the underground station
‘Anagnina' of the Line A. It will take you an hour
to reach Velletri (bus stop Piazza Garibaldi). Once reached
the graveyard, you can take a bus to reach Fontana Marcaccio.
Topic
Botany, fauna, landscape, geology
Visits
For information on paths, guided visits and booklets phone to
the Parco Rocca di Papa presso la Villa Barattolo, via C. Battisti
n.5, phone number 069495253/5 and Fax: 069495254.
Tourist signs
There are tourist boards but not within the Monte Artemisio's
area.
Further Information
Web sites: www.parks.it/parco.castelli.romani/index.html,
www.xiTownstamontana.lazio.it.
Books: Bassani P., Cantiani G.P., 1997. L’ambiente
naturale del Vulcano Laziale. Ed. XI Townstà Montana
del Lazio “Castelli Romani e Prenestini”, Rocca
Priora (RM); Bassani P., Lotti L., 1992. Alberi e arbusti
del Parco dei Castelli Romani. Casa editrice del Parco dei
Castelli Romani, Rocca di Papa (RM); AA.VV., 1996. Quattordici
sentieri tra natura e archeologia dei Castelli Romani e Prenestini.
Editore XI Townstà Montana del Lazio Castelli Romani
e Prenestini, via della Pineta 69, Rocca Priora (RM).
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