Top 4 Gorges around Calcata

The Valle del Sorbo is an enchanting valley in the Parco di Veio, located just 30 kilometers from the capital Rome. It is a “Site of Community Interest” due to the presence of the characteristic tuff valleys of the Roman countryside. The valley, crossed by the Fosso della Mola (later named Valchetta), extends between Formello and Campagnano di Roma and is populated by livestock kept in the wild. It is one of the most visited places in the park. The valley is also home to the Santuario della Madonna del Sorbo, an important stop on Lazio's Via Francigena.

Very beautiful and evocative

The passage through the suggestive Cavoni to Nepi requires a bit of practice in carrying the bike on your shoulder. Perhaps with electric MTBs it is more difficult given the weight. To be avoided in rainy periods because you could slip. Once you have crossed the bridge at the end of the descent, DO NOT follow the path that runs parallel to the stream; instead you need to follow the path that goes up to the right. The Cavoni begin immediately after, about ten meters ahead, even if you can't see them from the bridge and the start of the path. The first 20 meter long section will be done with the bike on your shoulder, then at the crossroads you will go left where the path widens and in some sections you can even cycle. Very suggestive passage with sections 1 meter wide and rock walls up to 20m high.

Very suggestive place near the Nepi Cavoni and the beginning of the path that leads to the Picchio waterfall

The Tagliate, or dark quarries, are very ancient roads carved into the sulphurous rock. The Tagliata Fantibassi is about 190 meters long, its walls are about 10-14 meters high, the road is 4 meters wide even if it sometimes narrows down to 1 meter. The average slope of the track is approximately 15%.

The Cavoni appear very similar to the gorges and are one of the most important examples of the impressive engineering works of the ancient Falisci civilization. The communication routes of this ancient people were dug by hand in the tuff.

Impressive hand-carved rock paths. 3000 years old!!!

The Sorbo Valley is a Site of Community Interest (SIC), and is the most popular place in the park.