ALONG THE RIVER MELFA

The river Melfa comes from the mountains of Meta, in the green Val Canneto one of the corners more ' beautiful National Park of Abruzzo. Despite its fresh waters are largely captured by Enel almost to the sources , even more ' downstream the Melfa offers many points of interest and fascination for the visitor.

After Atina , for example , the river flows between high walls of rock for several miles . A winding road halfway follows this stretch from Casalvieri , beautiful medieval town rich in valuable arenas including on a hill on a bend of the river . On the other side of the valley, more 'up , stands Casalattico , an ancient country in question up to the 70s by strong emigration to England and Ireland . From his village of Montattico you can ' starting point for excursions in the above group of Monte Cairo. Returning along the Melfa , following the road can be observed in more ' points the spectacular views offered by Gorges, deeply set between the walls of the mountain. Along the steep sides of the valley several nesting birds of prey.

The bed of the river is home to water in the first half ' of the path in the Gorges ( during periods of high flow in winter until March-April , someone will practice the canoe ) and more' forward look and ' dry for most of the ' year. More 'or less in the middle' of the gorge a stream descends from the right, forming pools and waterfalls.

More ' along there is the Ponte della Valle , and a fork to the right that leads to the small town of Santopadre , dating from the sixth century. B.C. and provided with walls, towers and gates medieval well preserved. Going straight instead you get in Roccasecca , the ancient village that was the birthplace of St. Thomas Aquinas . Very picturesque Castle District and the village of Caprile . Rises behind the mountains Colle San Magno , an excellent base for excursions to Monte Cairo and forests rich in truffles. Going instead to Aquinas and the Liri valley meets Castrocielo , dominated by Mount Asprano , with numerous remains of Roman times.