Sacrofano: Volcanic Rim, Nature Trails and History

Sacrofano lies on the crater rim of the ancient Sacrofano volcano. The area offers trails for hikers, cyclists and horse riders. The town thus combines a striking landscape setting with diverse opportunities to experience nature and the surrounding area at your own pace.

Nature Trails around Sacrofano

The Sentiero Monte Sarapollo – La via dello Sport is an approximately 1 km-long, equipped nature trail. It begins at the sports centre car park and ends at the existing trail network connection on Monte Musino. Its manageable length makes it a clearly defined trail section within the landscape of Sacrofano.

The CAI 209a Sacrofano–Casolare 311 trail begins at the park headquarters and leads on Monte Musino into the Macchia di Sacrofano. It then continues through extensive forests to Casolare 311.

The CAI 209b Sacrofano–Loc. Grottini trail begins in Loc. Grottini on Via Valle Muricana. On a forest road at the foot of Monte Musino, it reaches several viewpoints. The CAI 209d Monte Musino trail, by contrast, climbs steeply from Via di Grottini through the forest to the summit of Monte Musino.

The CAI 210 Sacrofano–Morlupo trail climbs to the Monte Calvio viewpoint at an elevation of 267 m. It also leads to Casalaccio, where the remains of a monumental Roman cistern are visible. A nature experience and a tangible testament to Roman architectural history therefore lie along the same described route here.

There are two solfataras in the area around Sacrofano, integrated into the natural landscape and located on private property. One can be reached via a short footpath; the other can only be viewed from a distance because of its difficult access. This difference is relevant to the practical classification of the two natural phenomena.

Historic Town Centre and Local History

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is the oldest church in Sacrofano. It was built in the 12th century in the historic centre on Via di Mezzo. The Church of San Biagio lies immediately outside the medieval settlement. After more than two centuries of construction, it acquired its present form in 1704.

In the historic centre, the Jewish quarter preserves evidence of a Jewish community that was present in the town from the 15th to the 17th century. Also located in the historic centre is Palazzo Placidi-Serraggi, a noble residence built in the early 18th century on the ancient Via di San Biagio.

Festivals throughout the Year

The Palio della Stella is a historical re-enactment held annually in September. It includes historical costumes and an equestrian tournament between Sacrofano’s seven contrade.

The Feast of Saints Biagio and Geminiano takes place on the third weekend of June and has been celebrated in Sacrofano for more than 70 years. Its central rite is a solemn procession through the streets of Sacrofano.

Further destinations: Ponzano Romano, Valmontone, San Gregorio Da Sassola, Nettuno, Torre Gaia, Rignano Flaminio, Monte Compatri, Mentana

For the higher-level travel overview: Rome.