lungo_il_fiume_melfa



Folklore
[COLLE SAN MAGNO]
On Easter Monday, two solemn processions, commemorating the common origins of the two towns, depart from Madonna di Castrocielo and Colle San Magno and head towards the Sanctuary on the peak of Mount Asprano.

Sport
[MOUNT ASPRANO]
On the rock slope of Mount Asprano many mountain climbers practice. At the top of the peak paragliding and hang gliding is quite popular. .

Crafts
[CASALVIERI]
Quite unusual is the specialized production of Casalvieri: decorated balloons exported world wide.

History and Culture
[ROCCASECCA]
From Ponte Vecchio on Melfa, near Roccasecca, a dirt road and a mule track excavated in the rocks leads to the Eremo dello Spirito Santo which is on a cliff that drops sheer to the Gorges.

From the Mounts of the Meta, in the green Canneto Valley, one of the most fascinating corners the Abruzzo National Park the river Melfa is born. The river Melfa provides its visitors with many fascinating views.

For example, after Atina, along a winding road halfway up the hillside the river flows through rocks for many kilometres, in order to arrive to Casalvieri, a quaint medieval village with beautiful buildings. On the opposite side of the valley there is Casalattico, an old town which had a large output of immigration towards Ireland and England in the 70’s. From Casalattico the hamlet of Montattico allows for many excursions to Monte Cairo. Following the road which runs along the river Melfa a few spectacular glimpses are provided by the Gorges. Along the steep slopes of the valley many predatory birds have built their nests.

The first half of the river Melfa bed is sometimes dry whereas, from November to April is possible to canoe. Halfway from the gorges a stream flows on the right, creating potholes and little falls.

Further on at Ponte della Valle, there is a fork in the road, where if you turn right it brings you to Santopadre. Instead if you proceed straight ahead Roccasecca is reached, the ancient village where St. Thomas of Aquino was born. In this town there are many fascinating areas like Castello and the hamlet of Caprile. On the opposite hills lies Colle San Magno whose forest is filled with truffles. It is also an ideal place to start from if a challenging hike to Monte Cairo, is what you are after. Proceeding towards Arpino and the Liri Valley one meets Castrocielo dominated by Mount Asprano, with numerous Roman ruins.