Itineraries of the Laga Park

From the castle it is possible to head off by foot or mountain bike to visit places of great historical and artistic interest. Following the ancient pathway “fonte vecchia”, one reaches the historical center of Paggese, a tiny village comprised of a series of travertine buildings dating back to the middle ages. Not to be missed is the church of S.Lorenzo with its beautiful square which, every year in August, is transformed into a stage where the rappresentation of “The Night of S Lorenzo” is performed.
Following another ancient pass which climbs towards Valledaqcua, one reaches the Farfense Abbey of 970 AD, returned to its past glory thanks to a careful restoration and the excavation of additional parts of the ancient monastary which has permitted the renewal of ecclesiastical activity and the cultural and religious seminars held during the “Bible weeks”
On the SS4 road going towards Rome, one finds Acquasanta Terme, from where it is possible to climb down to the Tronto river, the salty bromine and iodine rich waters of which were well known to the Military troops of the Roman Empire.
Another 8 kms along the road to Rome, the visitor comes across Arquata with its fortress of the XIV – XV century, where, according to legend, Queen Giovanna D’Angio held court.
 
 

Nature Trails

 

 
Chestnut trees, waterfalls, sime Monti della Laga and the Apennine lost.

Link to the site PAGGESE e ESCURSIONISMO MONTE CERESA
 
Near to the main town one finds the Gole del Garrafo, a series of natural caverns formed by the erosive action of the sulfurous water. For the expert walker with the appropriate equipment, entering the caves to admire the marvellous stalactites and stalagmites is a must, whilst at the start of the walk, everyone can admire the bridges dating back to the Augustine era and the 1800s.
From S.Maria (2kms from the Castle), one can easily reach Tallacano following a path which crosses over the river Tronto and through wonderful oak woods towards the uninhabited village of Vallesaggia. From Vallesaggia walkers contiue through thickly planted chestnut plantations, past Cocoscia to arrive at the beautiful sandstone portals of Tallacano. (Estimated walking time: 2 hours. Levl: easy)
The region is full of landscapes of rare beauty and it is hardly surprising that the territory has become an integral part of the National Park of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga. From Umito, at 7 kms from the castle, it is possible to reach the waterfalls of Prata and Volpara. The first at 900m above sea level is completely surrounded by woodland, whilst the second waterfall, at 1180m above sea level, is comprised of a series of rocky sandstone platforms created by the erosive forces of the Rio. (Estimated walking time: 4 hours. level: easy)
Other recommended excursions include those to the summits of Macera della Monte, Cima Lepri, Gorzano, Pizzo di Moscio and Pizzo di Sevio, or towards the forest of S.Gerbone, an alpine wood which closely resembles a virgin woodland, before the intervention of mankind.
Close to the Parco della Laga, other scenic routes can be found in the national Park of the Monti Sibillini. Hikers are able to trace the route of Forca di Presta, (approx 13kms from the castle) towards the 2238 meter high Monte Vettori, “roof” of the Sibillini and the Marche. Estimated walking time: 5hours. level: the route is not difficult in itself but a good level of fitness required)
From Foce di Montemonaco (approx 20kms from the castle) visitors can reach: Monte Sibilia (m. 2175) home to the enchanting legend of the fairies, Pilato’s lake (m. 1940) with its characteristic eye-like form, unique for the presence of the minuscule crustacean Chirocefalo del Marchesoni which, in the summer months turn the waters of the lake red.
 
 

Artistic itineraries

 

 
ASCOLI PICENO
Ascoli Piceno is approximately 18kms from the Castle, a city “sculpted” in travertine, characterised by majestic town houses from the renaissance era, fascinating Romanesque churches and Roman monuments built on the ruins of the Picena epoch, the beautiful “Piazza del Popolo”, and many a medieval tower- the remnants of a period of great wealth and importance which once led to Ascoli Piceno being known as the “City of the towers”.
Travelling along the road of the red wine “Rosso Piceno Superire d.o.c”, one arrives at Offida (approx. 35kms from the castle) with exemplary Gothic- Romanesque architecture such as S.Maria della Rocca, where the antique art of lace making is still alive. Continuing along the same route one finds Castignano, home to the Templar Knights in the XIV century. A few kilometers further on one eaches Aquaviva Picena with its fascinating renaissance fortress.

SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO
Lying at roughly 40kms from the Castle, San Benedetto del Tronto, is an exclusive seaside destination completely lined by exotic palm trees and elegant Liberty style villas..