The Southern Martani Traverse – From Carsulae to Piedimonte di Terni

All the charm of the southern Martani mountains in a long and demanding hike, yet extremely rewarding: over about 18 kilometers, you ascend and descend not only through forests and gorges, but also across centuries. You walk in the footsteps of the earliest inhabitants of this land, the Umbrians, the Romans, and Saint Francis. The trail starts from Carsulae, follows the ridge over the Terni basin, and ends in the foothill area at the gates of the city of Terni.

From Carsulae, the ascent begins immediately toward La Romita, a Franciscan convent restored over the last thirty years, yet preserving intact the memory of Saint Francis, who stayed here on several occasions. Right in front of the convent, the trail climbs again through a marvelous forest of ancient holm oaks. Shortly after, it emerges onto the meadows of Poggio Chicchirichì, and after passing a small pond, it is possible to climb toward the summit of the highest mountain in the Martani range, Monte Torre Maggiore. The itinerary skirts the summit, but with a little extra effort, the top can be reached, along with the archaeological area containing the remains of two temples.

From Torre Maggiore, a sacred place between earth and sky, the view stretches across the most beautiful and important peaks of central Italy. The trail heads toward Le Prata, where a scenic series of ascents and descents begins, overlooking the Terni valley and the Valserra, reaching Monte Torricella and then a large iron cross installed on the hill opposite the steel city at the beginning of the 20th century. From Monte della Croce begins the final evocative descent leading to the Fontana della Mandorla.

For this long excursion, it is best to have two cars available, at the start and end of the trail. The starting point can be easily reached from the SS 3 Bis (E45) exit at Montecastrilli, then in the direction of Cesi-Terni along the Carsulana provincial road. The car can be left in the parking lot of the Cesi archaeological area. The endpoint is reached by continuing on the provincial road toward Cesi and then in the direction of Terni, without entering the city, but turning left onto Via delle Madonnine, Strada di Fossocanale, Via Macinarotta, Via Mascagni, Cinque Strade, Strada di Piedimonte, arriving at Fontana della Mandorla, where parking is available next to the fountain.