Suggestive excursion to discover the ghost village of ancient Monterano, a fascinating historical site of great archaeological interest, immersed in the luxuriant nature of the Monterano Regional Reserve.
Pleasant itinerary to learn about the history of the ancient medieval city, now a ghost, dominated by the ruins of the village abandoned 200 years ago and the set of countless films, including The Marchese del Grillo, Ben-Hur, Brancaleone alle Crociate, Guardie e Ladri. Author of the baronial palace of the Altieri, full of charm, of the octagonal fountain and of the Convent of San Bonaventura is the genius of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who transformed the town into a small Baroque capital, with splendid monuments that made school.
The route initially skirts the banks of the Fosso Fonte del Lupo to arrive at the characteristic Zolfatara, where a strong smell of sulfur dominates and whose rocks have evident incrustations of the mineral. The Cavone, a typical Etruscan cut and gateway to ancient Monterano, and the fascinating ruins of the ancient Renaissance aqueduct can be reached in a short time, to then walk among majestic oaks and rare ferns immersed in the Monterano Regional Nature Reserve.
The path climbs until it reaches the ancient village, at first the ancient structure of the Convent of San Bonaventura stands out and the fountain in front of it, majestic and spectacular in its appearance, shortly after, we are in ancient Monterano.
The visible ruins of the inhabited area belong to some churches, the baronial palace of the Altieri, the splendid Leone fountain and other buildings dating back to the seventeenth century, the area was first abandoned due to the advent of malaria and then due to a looting of the French troops who in 1799 forced the inhabitants to move to neighboring countries. The precious archaeological site has an almost mystical atmosphere due to the perfect union between nature and ancient ruins, and, located on a tuff plateau, offers an exclusive panoramic point from which to admire the Valle del Bicione below.
The return to the starting point passes through Porta Cretelle, the ancient access to the city.
Along the way it is easy to meet Maremma cows grazing characteristic of the area.