The village of Canale Monterano is located in one of the most representative corners of the Tuscia Romana, between the Tolfa and the Sabatini Mountains, which also includes the noteworthy “Riserva Naturale Monterano”, with its rich biodiversity of woods, waterfalls and caves. The area is crossed by several watercourses, such as the Mignone River, which flows into the sea at Tarquinia.
The ancient village of Monterano
Within the Reserve, stands out the abandoned Ancient Monterano, which still preserves remains of works attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Among these, a Church, the Convent of San Bonaventura, the Octagonal Fountain, the Baronial Palace of Altieri, the stone lion, symbol of the village, and an imposing Roman arched aqueduct.
The ancient abandoned village of Canale Monterano
The abandoned part of Canale Monterano is visitable every day for free and can be reached through an easy path inside the Reserve, along the banks a red river, whose red colour is due to the presence of iron oxide. Along the way, we come across the beautiful Diosilla Waterfall. These mysterious, extraordinary ruins have often served as a set for films and TV series, including the blockbuster “Ben Hur” (1959) and the comedies directed by Mario Monicelli: “Guardie e Ladri” (1951), “Brancaleone alle Crociate” (1970) and “Il Marchese del Grillo” (1981).
Monterano also hosts the Terme di Stigliano. Already known by the Etruscans, thei were only later appreciated by the Romans for their beneficial qualities. The temperature of their healing salt-iodine-sulphurous waters varies from the 36° of the Beauty Source to the 58° of the Bagnarello.
Hermitage of Montevirginio – Ph @canalemonterano.online
The Hermitage of Montevirginio, a convent of the Padri Carmellitani Scalzi, is an Impressive building in Renaissance style harmoniously immersed in the surrounding nature. It houses a large cloister with garden and a water basin in the middle. Today, this spiritual and silent place welcomes groups of people on spiritual retreat.
Canale Monterano boasts the typical Maremma Laziale cuisine, based on Pappardelle (egg pasta) with mushrooms or game sauce, local cattle, hare and wild boar. Also worth tasting are the delicious oil and bread, the wines from the hills, and the tasty goat cheese from the wild farms.
At the end of August, in Canale Monterano, the unmissable “Palio dell Contrade”, or “Corsa del Bigonzo” in honour of San Bartolomeo Apostolo and Santa Calepodia is celebrated. The ten-day Feast culminates in a historical parade in refined medieval costumes and a competition between the town’s six districts. During the race, four-runner teams carry a bigonzo, the typical wooden vat used to contain harvested grape, along the main street of the village.