カステルサンピエトロロマーノのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

The "Oak of Pierluigi da Palestrina" is a monumental downy oak located in the Cannuccete Valley, in the Prenestini Mountains, not far from Palestrina. This centuries-old tree, over 20 meters tall and with a circumference of over six meters, is considered one of the oldest and most impressive trees in Lazio. It is estimated to be between 500 and 700 years old. According to local tradition, the famous musician Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina loved to go to the foot of this oak tree to find inspiration and moments of reflection. Legend has it that the composer meditated and perhaps composed some of his works in the shade of this tree, although these details are not confirmed by historical sources.

The Rocca dei Colonna was erected on the highest point of the acropolis in 970 AD. The initial building had a square plan with corner towers also with a square base, and housed a cylindrical tower used as a prison. Some famous people were imprisoned there, including San Berardo, bishop of the Marsi, Jacopone da Todi and Corradino di Svevia. Over the centuries, the fortress was destroyed several times; in 1482, the fortress was renovated and the event is remembered by the inscription on the turret of the small bridge "magnificus dominus Stephanus Columna readificavit civitatem cum monte et arte MCDLXXXII".

The base of the Akropolis trail

After crossing the ‘Via della Zingarella’, the old communal road that connected the village with the spring area, and an area of scrubland, you arrive at a plain. This is a good place to rest after the climb and to admire the view. Towards the west, on the left the view of Monte Guadagnolo

You can hike down off the path to see the bridge and infrastructure from below. The aqueduct bridge allows you to cross the aqueduct but is also a connection point between the Folignano ditch and Fosso delle Forme.

Steps away from the main trail, you will find a small waterfall that runs depending on the recent climate time of the year. Look closely, and you will find what appears to be an ancient paved path towards the pools of water.

Underfoot, you will see what looks like a narrow stone path. In fact, this is the top of an ancient Roman aqueduct, which used to transport water from the mountains to the cities beliw. Pay attention as you continue along the trail, and you will see (entrances to service points??), (rerouting channels??), and other infrastructure.

Take a peek at the Pierluigi Oak, a magnificent tree that is about 500 years old. The tale behind this tree is about Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, a composer from the late 1500s. He enjoyed coming here to contemplate and find inspiration beneath it's shade.