Montelanico among chestnut forests and the Monti Lepini

Montelanico is located in the green valleys of the Monti Lepini and is surrounded by centuries-old chestnut and beech forests. The town combines paths through forests and mountain landscapes with castle ruins, sacred sites, local heritage and an annual chestnut festival. If you choose accommodation in Montelanico, you can combine nature and cultural activities at your own pace.

Landscape and paths between springs and mountains

The Anello delle Fonti is the main attraction. The 8-kilometre circular trail starting at the Fontana Nuova connects five water springs and can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. The Parquaria spring is the final stop on the Anello delle Fonti. A hike from Montelanico reaches the chapel of Madonna di Collemezzo through oak and holm oak forests; other hiking trails from Montelanico lead to Monte Lupone. As a regional hiking and excursion route, Le vie dell’acqua connects Carpineto Romano, Montelanico and Gorga. This route can be travelled by car, on foot or by bicycle.

Castles, walls and sacred sites

Castello di Montelanico is believed to have originated around the year 1000. The first records of the Castello date from a papal bull issued by Anastasius IV in 1154. In Montelanico, remains of a defensive wall, towers and portals with round and pointed arches have been preserved. The ruins of Castello di Collemezzo can be reached after leaving the fortified road via an approximately one-hour walk along the Fossato Ballerino. The church of Santa Maria di Collemezzo is also located near the ruins. On a hill beside the SR Carpinetana stand the ruins of Castello di Pruni, an important medieval castle that was abandoned in the 15th century.

The Santuario Madonna del Soccorso preserves a 15th-century fresco of the Madonna. The Jo Rifugio on Via Colle Sasso houses a permanent exhibition of historical memorabilia from the Second World War. Both sites complement the medieval traces with religious and contemporary-history themes.

Fountains, stargazing and the chestnut festival

The Fontana dei Putti, a work by the artist Ernesto Biondi, stands in Montelanico’s main square. In the Ara della Pace area lies the small astronomical observatory “La Via delle Stelle”, which is dedicated to observing the sky and communicating astronomical knowledge. Puzzo Ciccone is a rainwater-filled fountain that is of crucial importance to shepherds and transhumance.

The Sagra della Castagna has been celebrated in Montelanico since 1963 on the third Sunday in October. During the Sagra, the painting competition Il Riccio d’Oro is also held every year on the third Sunday in October. On the plateau of Collemezzo, in Le Cime, stands the Panchina della Pace. It is described as the first Big Bench in the Monti Lepini and was inaugurated in 2023.

More destinations

More destinations in the travel overview: Rocca Di Papa, Isola Farnese, Sant'oreste, Anguillara Sabazia, Tragliatella Campitello, Civitavecchia, Saracinesco and Casaccia.

To the main travel overview: Rome.