They call it “The Caribbean of Rome”, a slice of paradise in Lazio, at the foot of the Simbruini Mountains. Let us explore this amazing oasis among the waterfalls and the rapids of the Aniene River, wonderful in every season, especially in summer.
We are in Subiaco, where the Aniene River gives rise to the famous waterfall flowing into the small lake of San Benedetto, where the sunbeams, passing through a lush vegetation, enlighten limestone rocks and create rainbows of all kinds.
Monastery of the Sacro Speco in Subiaco
The Oasis is reachable through a spectacular path along the Aniene River, which leads to the Benedictine Monasteries, starting from the ruins of the Villa di Nerone. An alternative way is to start from the Monastery of Santa Scolastica, near the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. The almost one-kilometre route through the woods and along the river, is quite easy.
Laghetto di San Benedetto in Subiaco
After a fifteen minutes walk through the forest, we cross a small wooden bridge, which leads to the lakeshores. Looking up, we will be enchanted by the impressive view of the waterfall, an invitation to dive into the icy waters and fully experience its power.
Nero embellished his holiday residence with small pools, the Simbruina Stagna, on the Simbruini Mountains, of which only the small Lake of San Benedetto remains, a dreamlike natural pool fed by a small waterfall.
Plenty of sports can be practiced among the Aniene rapids: rafting, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, survival and sup. Along the tracks of the Aniene Valley, climbing, hiking, horseback-riding, nordic walking and cross-country skiing can be experienced.
And now let us stop reading and live all this in first person!