Between Narni and Stifone, in Umbria, there is a place out of time, immersed in uncontaminated nature. We are talking about the Nera Gorges, located between Monte Maggiore and Monte di Santa Rosa. Which take their name from the river of the same name. Where the water, at times, is an intense cobalt blue. And elsewhere a beautiful intense turquoise.
Thanks to the redevelopment work, it is possible to immerse yourself in these places along a cycle/pedestrian path built along the disused railway that connected Orte and Rome. Five km that run along the Nera river where you can walk, run and trek, canoe or mountain bike. The route can be reached from various points: from the Augustus bridge in Narni, from the small village of Stifone and from Recentino.
For those who want to organize the visit, some useful information. The most convenient way to arrive by car is to leave the car in one of the free car parks near the Augustus Bridge or the Narni Amelia station, and continue on foot or by bike along the cycle/pedestrian path. In the summer months there is also a paid shuttle service that connects Narni Scalo, Ponte d’Augusto, Stifone and Nera Montoro, convenient for those who prefer to travel in one direction only. Crossing the old railway tunnels you walk between rock walls illuminated by photocells that are activated as you pass, a detail that makes the walk almost suspended in time. It should also be noted that access to the Morica Source, one of the most evocative points of the route, is now regulated by an entrance ticket, introduced to protect the area from an increasingly numerous tourist influx.
And a short distance from Stifone, close to the Gole del Nera, it really seems like you are in paradise. The Mole di Narni fascinate the visitor with their crystal clear, emerald waters, a natural swimming pool surrounded by vegetation. But be careful not to give in to temptation, the bathrooms are prohibited.
Not only nature, the Nera Gorges are also distinguished by their precious historical testimonies, the Ponte d’Augusto, the remains of the ancient Roman port and the shipyard in the southern part, the Abbey of San Cassiano on the mountain of S.Croce. And again, on the other side, the “Superb Narnia”.
The vegetation is wonderful and the fauna equally interesting. As reported on the website of the Municipality of Narni, nocturnal and diurnal birds of prey and the Blue Rock Thrush live here. Not to mention migratory species such as wood pigeons, thrushes, blackbirds and jays. In short, a natural paradise worth discovering. Not too far from Rome.
Follow us on Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube
