The best MTB trails around Parco regionale di Gianola e del Monte di Scauri

The Park of Monte Orlando covers an area of 89 hectares, of which 59 are land area and 30 are marine area. Located within the territory of Gaeta, the Park represents the terminal part of the Aurunci mountain system. This protected area is managed by the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park Authority together with the areas of the Gianola and Monte di Scauri Suburban Regional Park and the Natural Monument of Sperlonga. With a typically rounded shape, Monte Orlando is connected to the mainland to the north by a thin strip of land and ends in the south with a high rocky coast characterized by spectacular cliffs. The territory is affected by the corrosive action of water; in fact, rain penetrating the rocks dissolves the calcium carbonate contained within them, giving rise to numerous and typical erosive forms. The sea has also contributed to shaping the promontory and, over the centuries, through wave motion, has modeled and etched the rocks, leaving fossil traces, recognizable signs of the ancient sea level. Human intervention, in different historical eras, has left its mark on Monte Orlando. Particular attention should be paid to the military fortifications, built both outside and inside the current Park, which made Gaeta a fortress of strategic importance for the Kingdom of Naples. At the summit, we find the Mausoleum of Lucius Munatius Plancus.

The hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo is a small church located on the slopes of Mount Altino, which belongs to the Aurunci Mountains chain, at 1220 m above sea level in the territory of Maranola (a hamlet of Formia). Set in the rock, it is located along the path that leads from Sella Sola to the summit of the Redentore, on a sheer spur. The rock sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, dates back to 830, as it is mentioned in the Codex diplomaticus cajetanus. However, the stone facade, which closes a natural cavity, was rebuilt in neo-Gothic style at the end of the 19th century, in 1893, when Archbishop Francesco Niola climbed Mount Altino on a pastoral visit. He indicated the interior of the grotto as an ideal location for the new construction, in order to avoid the damage suffered by the previous church, caused by runoff water, falling rocks, and ice. The new project was drawn up by the engineer Silvio Forte of Trivio. The rock was squared to form the environment of the Church, and a space twelve meters long, ten wide, and seven high was obtained. On the back wall, opposite the entrance, a niche also carved into the rock houses the statue of Saint Michael. The facade, facing west and with two projecting volumes on the sides, has in the center a pointed arch entrance door, surmounted by a rose window open to let light into the church's interior. On the arch of the door, next to the inscription “Angelorum Principi”, are the dates 830, the year of the foundation of the old monastery, and August 5, 1895, the day of the inauguration of the new Sanctuary. These dates are also reported on a plaque placed inside the church. Both the rose window and the other openings of the facade were closed by polychrome stained glass windows, now lost.

After the dirt road immersed in a beautiful beech forest, you reach a picnic area where you turn right towards Christ the Redeemer.

Once at the top of the climb, a wonderful panorama opens up over the valley with a view of Christ the Redeemer.

The climb to the Redentore rewards with a breathtaking panorama of the Gulf of Gaeta

You'll pass through four tunnels, some of which are unlit or poorly lit. Coming from Terracina, you'll encounter: 1. Tiberio Tunnel (265 m), 2. Capovento Tunnel (165 m), 3. Trapani Tunnel (590 m), and 4. Unnamed Tunnel (600 m). It's best to carry lights on your bike because you might encounter debris along the way and the road is quite busy. The view from the Flacca, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea with Roman ruins and hidden caves, is worth seeing.

Beautiful sanctuary to visit

Parking area and start of trails to Piana di Campello and Monte Trina.