Arcinazzo, just outside Rome, feels like Switzerland.

Origins

The original name of Arcinazzo was Ponza, from the Gens Pontia, the aristocratic Roman lineage that controlled this territory. In 1891, however, the municipal administration was forced by a royal decree to change the town's name, so as not to be confused with the island of the same name located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the Gulf of Gaeta. Before it had even become Arcinazzo Romano, the unsolved mystery of the origins of the new name arose. The first theory points to Narzio, or Narcio, a patrician from Subiaco who lived in the 4th century, who left his lands near Rocca (Arce) to the Church. The second hypothesis holds that the name derives from Arcinia, a concubine of Emperor Claudius. In any case, the citizen of Arcinazzo Romano continues to call himself Ponzese.

Get inspired

The first stop on our journey takes us on a green journey through ancient history. The environmental qualities of Arcinazzo Romano, which today make it a treasure trove of sustainability, were already evident to the Romans. In the first century AD, Emperor Trajan chose this area, with its nearly 3 hectares, to build his holiday villa, where he could breathe the pure air, protect his lungs, and hunt bears and other game. deerEven today the remains of the imperial residence hold enormous fascination, with some frescoes representing an exceptional example of Roman mural painting.

Arcinazzo plateaus

 The excavations of Trajan's villa are located within the verdant basin of the Arcinazzo plateau, located between the Affiliani and Ernici mountains. Here you are spoiled for choice between the paths that lead to the waterfalls formed by the Aniene river (the most beautiful are those of Trevi) and the small lakes in the area. During the route, descending towards the plain, you can breathe in the scent of thistles, red lilies, yellow anemones and orchid Apennine. When he arrived on the Arcinazzo plateau, the writer Guido Piovene noted in his book Trip to Italy: "Here I found the most fragrant meadows I can remember..."

The flora of the calcareous Apennines

The true creator of the flora of the Arcinazzo Plateau, as we enjoy it today, was the English biologist Sir Walter Becker. In the 1930s, his studies in the area convinced him that the Arcinazzo Romano Plateau had a microclimate similar to that of the Dolomites. For this reason, he planted a large quantity of abeti and in his will he left the land and instructions for the construction of a nursery dedicated to the care of typical Dolomite trees. In the lower altitudes of the plateaus, however, the landscape is that of the classic calcareous Apennines, with forests of oaks, with a prevalence of black hornbeam, Turkey oak and downy oak.

Altipiani Adventure Park

The last stop is the Adventure Park, Altipiani Adventure Park, where in a natural setting you can do outdoor fitness, trekking routes, also suitable for children and with personalized excursions, climbing, walks in mountain bike, beach volleyball. And for those who don't feel like exerting themselves, a staff guide will accompany visitors through the Arcinazzo plateaus on a quad bike.

The Adventures Park is ideal for excursions and family outings with children. It offers specific activities for younger visitors, such as educational workshops on local plants and trees, and a treasure hunt along the park's trails. Finally, a mini-course is dedicated to first-hand encounters with, and then the ability to draw and paint reproductions of, local animals: squirrels, owls, and hedgehogs.

Information

For all information about the Arcinazzo area, please write to:

• Pro Loco Tourist Association

[email protected]

• For excursions, write to:

[email protected]

How to Get There

From Rome, it's very easy to reach Arcinazzo. You can drive along the A24 motorway, exit at Subiaco, and then follow the signs for Arcinazzo. The total distance is about seventy kilometers. Alternatively, you can take the train to Carsoli station, and then drive to Arcinazzo, about 25 kilometers away.

Where to stay in Arcinazzo 

Where to eat in Arcinazzo

• Sorpaiolo TrattoriaA highly regarded trattoria serving local Roman cuisine and home-cooked dishes, perfect for a hearty lunch in the countryside.
• Hostaria Flavors of HomeOne of the most reviewed restaurants in the area with elegant yet informal Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Nino's Pizzeria RestaurantClassic restaurant-pizzeria with Italian dishes and pizzas, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
• Agriturismo Tra i Monti by Villetta Graziani . Farmhouse with traditional cuisine and local products, excellent if you are looking for typical dishes and rustic atmosphere.
• Eat and Shut UpSimple restaurant with Italian cuisine and traditional dishes at a reasonable price.
• JollyCasual restaurant with home-cooked dishes and pizzas.

Cover photo credit: Museum Photographic Archive

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• Parks' Railway: Sustainable Travel on Italy's Trans-Siberian Railway