Top 20 Natural Monuments around Blera

"It is a volcanic crater that was formed approximately 230,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. The caldera has a diameter of approximately 1.5 km and has a flat bottom surrounded by steep walls. The depression of the caldera was subsequently filled from volcanic material and sediments, creating a fertile environment rich in biodiversity. Today, the Caldara di Manziana is an area of naturalistic and geological interest, populated by lush vegetation and numerous species of flora and fauna".

The ancient Canale Monterano always gives its charm to visitors. Most people know this place because the famous film "Il Marchese del Grillo" with Alberto Sordi was filmed there; but in reality its walls tell dramatic stories, linked to the escape from the city invaded by the plague..

The three towers, of different ages and designs, stand in the Vico Matrino area, inside a hazelnut grove, together with piles of rubble from other probably similar buildings. These are two funerary monuments from the Roman era from the 1st century BC. C, and of a bell tower belonging to a Benedictine church, dating back to the 10th century "Sancta Maria in campis", of which the portal remains, reused as the entrance to the ancient Hospital of San Sebastiano in Capranica. The most imposing is made up of a square base, surmounted by a cylindrical body, sixteen meters high overall. Originally it was most likely covered with slabs of peperino stone and the niches seen on the surface may have contained bas-reliefs with images of the deceased from the rich families of the vicus. According to legend, Orlando, the brave paladin of Charlemagne, king of the Franks, wandered around these lands in ancient times in search of adventures and when he was tired he loved to rest with his companions in arms in the shade of the large oaks, which characterized the site at the time. In fact, Charles, king of the Franks, came to Italy several times against the Lombards and at Christmas 19th century in St. Peter's, Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. It is documented that the Frankish army, following the ancient Via Cassia, then Francigena, stopped in the territory of Sutri, of which Vicus Matrini was part at the time; the area, at the time covered by an oak forest, could constitute a ideal environment for a knights' camp. Perhaps the legend, derived from the fantastic world of the Chansons de gestes and the Chanson de Roland, contains some foundation. https://www.iluoghidelsilenzio.it/torri-dorlando-capranica-vt/

One of several fantastic arched bridges along the way that have defied the ravages of time. Wild nature wherever you go, still easy to walk on and marked, paired with historical signposts that cover a period of time that is incomprehensible to us. It's worth taking another look to discover something exciting.

After the barrier from the main road, a short climb leads to the top where there are large antennas, the view is obstructed by the large trees but it is worth getting there for the beautiful descent that takes you back to the main road towards S. Martino al Cimino.

Right finish line inside the Woods....

To visit, nice place😊

At this point you meet two towers which were funerary monuments from the Roman era then reused for various purposes in later periods. It is said that Orlando was born near these towers and that Charlemagne, king of the Franks, rested here during his journey to Rome for his coronation as Emperor. https://graveloo.com/it/via-degli-etruschi-in-gravel/