In the Heart of the Terre Arnolfe – from Carsulae to Portaria via Macerino and Cancelli Cancelli

This long walk takes us into the heart of the Martani range, namely the central core of the Terre Arnolfe, the County of the Mountain, a group of castles whose administrative unity — preserving the memory of an earlier political autonomy of Lombard origin — was maintained for many centuries, from around the year 1000 until the early seventeenth century.

The route begins at Carsulae and gradually climbs toward the evocative Franciscan convent of the Romita, which can be visited after notifying the caretakers in advance (+39 0744 283006). From here, the path continues along a dirt road to a power-line pylon and an uninhabited house. The trail then descends into the woods and, after crossing a small stream, climbs again toward a hill where, amid wide pastures, stands an isolated farmhouse, Cancelli, which also offers a room that is always open as a shelter for walkers.

From Cancelli the route descends through pine woods and the marl formations that characterize this side of the Martani Mountains, reaching the junction for Macerino, a walled castle-village built of pink stone. The village can be visited with a short detour. The trail then climbs toward the Cima Forca pass, from which it continues downhill to the village of Portaria, with its charming little square and clock tower. Finally, the route follows the provincial road back down to Carsulae.

The starting point of the excursion is the parking area of the Carsulae archaeological site, which can be visited for a fee, also with guided tours. It can be reached by car from the E45 exit for Montecastrilli, turning left toward the Terni–Cesi junction, which leads onto the Carsula provincial road passing directly below the village of Portaria. Follow this road for about three kilometers until the signs for the Carsulae parking area, which is free of charge.