A typical mountain village, the highest in the province of Rome and the second highest in Lazio after Filettino, Cervara di Roma boasts a wonderful panoramic position, encircled by lush meadows and beech forests in the Monti Simbruini Park.
Glimpse up Cervara di Roma
It has always been a popular holiday destination for numerous artists, who have organised exhibitions and events here, making this place famous.
Of ancient origins, the village developed around the Fortress that was rebuilt several times and became, in 1052, the property of the Monastery of Santa Scolastica of Subiaco. It later passed under the control of the Holy See and that of the Monaldeschi nobles until it finally became part of the Papal State. The fortress and its imposing remains were re-erected by Pompeo Colonna, Abbot of Subiaco, in 1513.
Don’t miss the Parish Church, with its typical medieval arches, the Collegiate Church of Santa Elisabetta and San Felice and the Rocca, the Mountain Museum: Transumanti and “Pitturi”, and the Astronomical Observatory.
The climbs of Cervara di Roma
In addition to the historical centre with its medieval layout, in Cervara di Roma one can also admire the many sculptures and murals sculpted by artists from all over the world in appreciation for the hospitality they have received. The ‘Mountain Sculpted by Artists’ is a veritable open-air museum. The Scalinata degli Artisti and the Scalinata della Pace are charming promenades decorated with a succession of sculptures, totems and images of extraordinary beauty.
The works of art carved into the rock a Cervara di Roma
Cervara is distinguished by the typical Latium mountain gastronomy born of a purely agro-pastoral economy. Among the culinary specialties, we find fettuccine with truffles, porcini mushrooms and mutton, gnocchi, polenta, strozzapreti. And then barbecued meat, locally produced pecorino and ricotta cheeses.
Cervara di Roma is also the entrance to the Monti Simbruini Regional Natural Park, which with its 30,000 hectares is the largest protected area in Lazio. It is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts, horse riding, mountain biking and hiking. At Campaegli in the winter season it is possible to go dog sledding and cross-country skiing, while there are many trails that can be followed in unspoilt nature in all seasons.
Campaegli