Manziana/Canale Monterano

Manziana and Canale Monterano are two neighbouring villages in the province of Rome, in Lazio, close to Lake Bracciano. Manziana is known for its Faggeta, a notable beech forest growing at low altitude, an unusual occurrence in central Italy, forming part of the Bracciano-Martignano Regional Park. The area is also associated with chestnut cultivation and numerous woodland walking trails. Canale Monterano is home to the Monterano Nature Reserve, which encompasses the ruins of the old town of Monterano, abandoned after its destruction in the late eighteenth century. Remains include the Altieri Palace and the Church of San Bonaventura, whose design is linked to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This partly ruined site, with its distinctive atmosphere, has served as a backdrop for several film productions. The surrounding countryside offers an unspoilt natural setting of forests, streams and volcanic rock formations, with the Stigliano thermal springs nearby. Altogether, the area makes for a suitable destination for those interested in nature, hiking and understated historical heritage, roughly an hour's drive from Rome.