For young explorers: adventures, mysteries and nature shows

For young explorers: adventures, mysteries and nature shows

There is no shortage of fun for children at the hu I Pini Village thanks to the rich entertainment programme, however, the surroundings of Fiano Romano offer endless opportunities for discovery and adventure that will appeal to your children and teenagers. Here are a few ideas for a day trip beyond the village, to waterfalls and natural marvels, unusual places and parks, designed for family time.

The Soratte Bunker

Sant’Oreste is a pretty village with medieval origins that retains its old world charm in the heart of its historic centre with narrow alleys, small shops and small restaurants. But it’s what lies below this village on the slopes of Mount Soratte (the summit of which stands out amid the flatness of the Tiber valley) that makes it such a worthwhile destination. On the southern slope of the mountain is an impressive tunnel system excavated in 1937, which is kept open and visitable today thanks to a local association that has restored the Soratte Bunker. Commissioned by Benito Mussolini as an air-raid shelter, this space, hidden in the bowels of the mountain, was used in 1943 as the headquarters of the German occupation and housed the troops led by Field Marshal Kesselring. Later, it was used as a gunpowder magazine and then repurposed as a fallout shelter in the 1960s, fortunately never needed for that purpose. Subsequently it was acquired by the municipality of San’Oreste and  became part of the ‘Percorso della Memoria’ (Path of remembrance) Ecomuseum. It is atmospheric site and often used as a film set. A visit to the Bunker (by reservation, options include photographic tours or tours on board a small train - perfect for children) includes around 1 km of tunnels, where you’ll see aspects of military life, an interesting collection of period transport vehicles and the ingenious ventilation system. 

The Waterfalls of Monte Gelato

Nearby, continuing along the SP16b to Calcata and then towards Lake Bracciano, stop for a pleasant walk at the waterfalls of Monte Gelato formed by the flow of waters from the River Treja over volcanic rocks. This an atmospheric site,  a sublime combination of nature and mankind’s intervention, with a medieval tower and 19th-century watermill. Entrance is free, so it tends to be very crowded on weekends during the fine weather, but it is truly enchanting in its quieter moments. To reach the falls follow the trails marked by the Valle del Treja Regional Natural Park.

The Greccio Nativity crib

Take the SS4 towards Rieti (the provincial capital that was the main centre of historic Sabina) and go on beyond it reach Greccio, a site visited by of St. Francis (if you want to walk in the Saint’s footsteps follow the Saint Francis Walk). This pretty Lazio village, dominated by the castle and the church of San Michele Arcangelo, is home to a sanctuary set into the rock founded by the ‘poor’ saint who, enraptured by the quiet and spirituality of the site, invented here the tradition of recreating the nativity scene. It is said that on Christmas night of 1223, St. Francis decided to create a scenic representation of the nativity of Jesus, initiating a custom that is still deeply felt in many Italian regions. Since 1972, during the Christmas season, the village hosts the Live Crib of Greccio, a historical re-enactment staged in six ‘tableau vivants’ with carefully designed sets and period costumes that are sure to amaze young and old alike. Also, don’t forget to visit the Museo dei Presepi (Nativity Crib museum) inside the Church of St. Mary (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

The Marmore Falls

Continuing further north up into Umbria, get ready for another awe-inspiring and fascinating spectacle, again a fusion of mankind’s labour and nature’s beauty: the mighty Marmore Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, that has a 165-metre drop and a system of dams and channels that regulate the River Velino dating back to Roman times. On weekends, at certain times, the flow to the waterfall – now divided into three sections – is opened to the maximum, offering visitors the awe-inspiring sight of the powerful waterfall. Walk along the various paths leading to different views of the falls and (only by guided tour) stop at the so-called Lovers’ Balcony, a small terrace overlooking the first waterfall: romantic, but inspiring even for children.

Adrenaline, fairy tales and sensory experiences

If you want to stimulate the little ones at home with other activities and tailor-made visits, here are a few more ideas not too far from HU I Pini Village. In Morlupo, in the Sabina Romana, the

Bushi Adventures Village is an adventure park that even offers tree top walkway adventures for children and teens (for the younger children, choose the Orange Adventure Course), with Tibetan bridges, nets, walkways, swinging logs and zip lines, fun is guaranteed. Heading towards Viterbo, just outside Vitorchiano is the Parco Cinque Sensi which aims to stimulate sensory perceptions through barefoot forest trails, orienteering outings for children aged 6 to 12, guided 'magic' trails and family activities - including barbecues – all ensconced in nature. A little further up, the village of Sant’Angelo di Roccalvecce has been baptised ‘the fairy tales village’ because of the numerous colourful murals on the façades depicting scenes from the most famous fairy tales, starting with Alice in Wonderland, a walk around the village is like a storytelling treasure hunt.