Gole del Velino, Canyon and ecological site in Province of Rieti, Italy.
Gole del Velino is a canyon stretching about 14 kilometers between Mount Terminillo and the Abruzzo Apennines, characterized by steep cliffs and deep gorges carved by the Velino River. The modern State Road 4 Via Salaria runs through the gorges, offering access to various observation points and rock formations along the way.
The ancient Roman road Via Salaria, connecting Rome to the Adriatic Sea, passed through these gorges and left visible traces of engineering works in the landscape. This trading route shaped the region's development for centuries.
The medieval Benedictine Abbey of Saints Quirico and Giulitta within the gorges served as an important religious center, and its stone structures remain visible among the rocky cliffs today.
Visitors can explore the gorges through various access points along the Via Salaria and use several viewpoint areas to observe the rock formations. The best time to visit is outside the hottest summer months, when trails are more comfortable to walk.
The site contains multiple karst formations and caves such as the Grotta di San Quirico and Grotta Oscura, formed by underground water flows over thousands of years. These caves reveal how the river dissolved rock and created hidden passages beneath the surface.
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