3. Rocca Priora – Palestrina

From the volcano to the preappennino
From the inhabited area of Rocca Priora, we proceed on Via della Montagna Spaccata in the chestnut grove that delimits the remains of the external caldera of the ancient Laziale Volcano to the North East, opening into the Valle del Sacco below. We leave the Colli Albani and from here, Colle di Fuori, begins the transfer stage to the Monti Prenestini. The route first develops on a paved road winding through the typical Roman countryside that characterizes the territory of Carchitti with its extensive orchards and typical strawberry cultivations.

Towards Palestrina through the countryside
After crossing the Via Casilina consular road, the stretch continues in Valvarino (hamlet of Palestrina), along the dirt road that crosses the ancient country estate of the Barberini family, until reaching Via degli Olmi that leads directly to the village of Palestrina. In the distance you can already admire the city of ancient Praeneste on whose slopes stands the Temple of the Goddess Fortuna (II century BC) and the underlying Palazzo Colonna
Barberini which houses the National Archaeological Museum of Palestrina. The path winds through the historic center of the city between small squares and characteristic alleys.

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