We’re so pleased that we made time for the climb up the Rocca this time through. It isn’t a long or especially difficult climb - maybe a mile and a half to the top, at an elevation of 250 meters - but you’ll want good shoes and water. And some cash. It costs 4 euros per to get in, and the entrance gate is far enough above town that you’ll hate going back for money if you forgot. And don’t lose your ticket, because they’ll check for it on your way back down.
It’s a great hike on multiple levels. The views are definitely worth the walk up, but the ruins make a great accent. There is a layer about halfway up, at the spot where the town was relocated for defensive purposes after the fall of the Roman Empire. There are ramparts, shells of residential structures and baking ovens, and the even older ruins of the so-called Temple of Diana.
Continuing up, it’s a bit steeper and rougher climb to the summit and the ruins of the old castle. Views are more impressive the further up you go, the ruins of the castle walls are evocative, and the vegetation is great. It’s a very popular attraction, and not such an arduous walk as to deter children, the less fit, and elderly folks with bad knees from making it up and safely back down again. And it’s a large space, so there’s solitude to be found also. A perfect afternoon’s outing.
The lower ramparts, about halfway up to the fortress that crowns the rock. This is the level where the city relocated to after the fall of the Roman Empire, to defend themselves from pirates and other invaders.
Rachael was so proud of herself for making it up here, the highest spot on the rock. She wasn’t so pleased a few minutes later though when she couldn’t get down again. Help! Somebody, save me!
After enjoying our picnic lunch in a shady spot on the summit, we begin the steep walk down. We follow a different trail most of the way down and experience views we didn’t see on the way up.
Back in town, we’re tempted to stop at a bar with inviting outdoor seating. We each have our reasons - Rachael heads for the facilities while I sip at a refreshing Moretti.
Scott AndersonTo Andrea BrownIt was pretty perfect, alright. Including dinner, but who wants to see another set of food photos, anyway? Reply to this comment 5 years ago
