The best walks and hikes around Capranica

On this stretch of the Via Francigena, during our crossing (the last ten days of September), we noticed an indescribable expanse of cyclamen in the undergrowth, unlike anything I've seen in other places more familiar to me in the north. This is the so-called "Neapolitan cyclamen" (Cyclamen hederifolium), a particular variety typical of central and southern Italy, with leaves with serrated, ivy-like edges.

Along the stretch of the Via Francigena connecting Vetralla to Sutri, you'll find the Oriolese customs road, a route immersed in the Tuscia countryside. Here, a picturesque avenue stands out, characterized by majestic maritime pines that grace the path with their grandeur and provide shade and coolness. It's a stretch of road with a special charm.

Capranica is a village in Tuscia, built on a tuff cliff between the Cimini Mountains and the Mignone River valley. Its origins are Etruscan, but the center we see today retains its medieval charm, with narrow streets, arches, ancient gates, and evocative churches such as that of Santa Maria Maddalena. Hazelnut groves, olive groves, and woods extend all around, creating a distinctive landscape. It's a pleasant stop on the Via Francigena, where history and nature meet in an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.

Beautiful cycle path on the Via Francigena towards Rome. The path continues across the Cassia under hazelnut groves.

The Passionist Monastery of Sant’Angelo is located on the slopes of Monte Fogliano, forming part of the Cimini Mountain range, in the vicinity of a volcanic crater that gave rise to Lake Vico and the nature reserve of the same name. The monastery, at an altitude of 300 meters (approx. 900 feet) above sea level, is situated within the town of Vetralla and forms part of the Province of Viterbo, one of northern most provinces of the Italian region of Lazio. It is bordered on the south by the metropolitan capital city of Rome and on the southeast by the Province of Rieti. On the north it is bordered by the region of Tuscany (the Province of Grosseto, the location of Monte Argentario) and by the region of Umbria (the Province of Terni) to the east. The Tyrrhenian Sea is located to the west. The town of Vetralla and the monastery is a pilgrim station on the ancient “Via Francigena”, which was once traveled by wayfarers and pilgrims on their way to Rome. This small town in the Viterbo area attracts Italian and foreign tourists who appreciate its charming historic center and the naturalistic, archaeological, and religious itineraries, including our Sant’Angelo Monastery, scattered throughout the surrounding area. (c) https://www.passiochristi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Guida-VETRALLA-2024-Inglese.pdf

Walking on the Via Francigena, in the centuries-old forest between Vetralla and Sutri.

The Orlando towers are funerary towers from the era of Republican Rome which suddenly emerge from the immense hazelnut groves of the province of Viterbo.

It is a mystical and engaging place where Saint Jerome lived as a hermit