Necropolis Around Blera

Blera is an island in time surrounded by a green sea where history, architecture and nature merge into an inspiring whole. Passing along the ancient Via Clodia, you can visit several Etruscan necropolises, the best known of which is the Necropolis of Pian del Vescovo. Nearby, other Etruscan Necropolises include those of San Giovenale and San Giuliano, the Necropolis of Colombaio and the impressive Monumental Necropolis of Norchia.

Historic Blera:
Etruscan and roman sites

The village of Blera perches on a rocky spur above deep, converging gorges. Nearby are cliffs with hundreds of carved tombs, and deep cuts in the rock where ancient roads still descend down into the canyon.

Traveling along the Biedano Gorge, a woody oasis with caves and ancient water mills, stands Roman bridges along the Via Clodia near Blera. North of Blera the Clodia skirts the Grotta Porcina, then enters the tomb complex of Norchia considered by many to be Italy’s most stunning cliff necropolis.

Most of the tombs date from the fourth to the second centuries B.C. complete with a few remains of exterior decorations. Others are composed in the Doric “Hellenistic” style, with temple-like façades and carvings that display ritual processions, Etruscan demons, supernatural beings, and two Gorgon heads.

When the Biedano’s river level is low, willing hikers can attempt to cross. Just below the church on the other side of the river is an unmarked trail that leads to the Cava Buia, one of the famous Etruscan Vie Cave paths dug into the rock. They often contain inscriptions and Christian crosses designed to ward off evil.

To see all of these sites you will need to be relatively fit and have a sense of adventure. Many are hidden behind dense vegetation and some trails are unmarked and cross rickety bridges.

Bring a headlamp and a phone or GPS and be prepared for climbing and wading for some of the less accessible sites.

BleraHikeFrog

Marturanum Regional Nature Park Trails
BARBARO ROMANO
BLERA - BANDITA

Try this approximately 6.2-mile circular trail near Barbarano Romano, Lazio. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2-1/2 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.

A very nice excursion, with beautiful landscapes and historical monuments to admire. The route takes place in a loop in an anti-clockwise direction. It is recommended to bring plenty of water. The itinerary is immersed in the wood with thick vegetation where there are several waterfalls. Starting from Barbaro Romano, you can visit an interesting village, and then to the town of Blera, passing through the village of Bandita.

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Historic Blera:
Etruscan and roman sites

The village of Blera perches on a rocky spur above deep, converging gorges. Nearby are cliffs with hundreds of carved tombs, and deep cuts in the rock where ancient roads still descend down into the canyon.

Traveling along the Biedano Gorge, a woody oasis with caves and ancient water mills, stands Roman bridges along the Via Clodia near Blera. North of Blera the Clodia skirts the Grotta Porcina, then enters the tomb complex of Norchia considered by many to be Italy’s most stunning cliff necropolis.

Most of the tombs date from the fourth to the second centuries B.C. complete with a few remains of exterior decorations. Others are composed in the Doric “Hellenistic” style, with temple-like façades and carvings that display ritual processions, Etruscan demons, supernatural beings, and two Gorgon heads.

When the Biedano’s river level is low, willing hikers can attempt to cross. Just below the church on the other side of the river is an unmarked trail that leads to the Cava Buia, one of the famous Etruscan Vie Cave paths dug into the rock. They often contain inscriptions and Christian crosses designed to ward off evil.

To see all of these sites you will need to be relatively fit and have a sense of adventure. Many are hidden behind dense vegetation and some trails are unmarked and cross rickety bridges.

Bring a headlamp and a phone or GPS and be prepared for climbing and wading for some of the less accessible sites.

BleraHikeFrog

Marturanum Regional Nature Park Trails
BARBARO ROMANO
BLERA - BANDITA

Try this approximately 6.2-mile circular trail near Barbarano Romano, Lazio. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2-1/2 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.

A very nice excursion, with beautiful landscapes and historical monuments to admire. The route takes place in a loop in an anti-clockwise direction. It is recommended to bring plenty of water. The itinerary is immersed in the wood with thick vegetation where there are several waterfalls. Starting from Barbaro Romano, you can visit an interesting village, and then to the town of Blera, passing through the village of Bandita.