Monte Catillo Reserve Loop

The itinerary links various paths of the Reserve. It starts from the monumental Arch on via Quintilio Varo, following the Via dei Lupi, path 330 VL that crosses the Sughereta di Sirividola and continues, through woods and panoramic ridges, along the crests of Monte Giorgio, Colle delle Travi and Colle Lucco, where it joins the Coleman Path 331 SC.

It continues downhill in the woods (towards San Polo). After passing a power line pylon, an old farmhouse and a ridge with wide views of the Val d’Aniene interior, you reach a clearing where you turn left on path 331B. This is a variant of the Coleman Path that makes a wide loop and with a short detour (indicated by an information sign and ground markings), leads to the evocative ruins of the Castellaccio, an ancient defensive structure that belonged to Corrado d’Antiochia, abandoned since the 15th century.

Back on path 331B, continue through the woods to the Fonte Bologna picnic area (note the water is not drinkable), where you can take a break before resuming the Coleman Path (331 SC) facing the short climb that leads to the junction for Colle Lecinone.

Here, if you are tired, you can continue downhill on the Coleman to Tivoli, or turn right (following trail markers 334 first and then 335) to discover the west side of the Reserve touching Colle Lecinone and Monte Sterparo. The wonderful views will reward you for this last effort (just under 4 km with minimal altitude difference that takes about another hour of walking).

From Monte Sterparo, return towards the interior of the Reserve on path 333 which connects with 334, the beginning of the detour. Once at the intersection with the Coleman Path (331 SC), continue downhill towards Tivoli until the end of the Reserve; turn left for a short stretch along the provincial road, and you are back at the starting point.