SHARRYLAND
The Sacred Way
Rumors, whispers, sightings. What is really at the top of the mountain?
Where is
What it is and where it is
Exciting and surreal. Only these words are adequate to describe the atmosphere of this path guarded by a beautiful forest, on a mountain that still makes us feel its sacredness. Guiding us is a road made of paving slabs, stones born from the heart of the volcano and smoothed by the steps of the wayfarers who for more than 2,000 years have come to worship the king of all gods or in modern times, to enjoy an evocative walk that smells of ancient and mystery, all the way to a dreamy viewpoint.
Why it is special
It is called Via Sacra (Sacred Way) because it was the road that led ancient Latian peoples to the temple of Jupiter to celebrate peace. The paving that makes it up is still incredibly intact today, uneven only in places, as if it knows its mission is still relevant. But there are other forces that shake the air, clashing with those of the road. They are the echoes of war, of bunkers and military secrets shrouding the summit like a curtain of fog, and strange lights rising in the sky, unknown but close.
Not to be missed
The lush nature of Monte Cavo runs to the aid of those who ascend the slope. The tall chestnut trees offer shelter from the sun and heat, making the walk more pleasant. In spring, the flowers that dot the underbrush lighten the mood. And then he, the most coveted prize: the view from the overlook. Every effort is repaid when it suddenly appears in the last stretch of the path, showing the lakes of Albano and Nemi, close and wonderful, and in the distance the sea that on clear days gives the view of the promontory of the Maga Circe.
A bit of history
Monte Cavo, originally Mons Albanus, was chosen by Tarquinio Prisco, who built the Temple of Jupiter Laziale there over 2,000 years ago, and the Via Sacra to reach it. Numerous pilgrims went there on the occasion of the Feriae Latinae, when weapons were laid down to give thanks to Jupiter. In the Middle Ages the temple was replaced with a hermitage, later converted into a monastery, and again into a luxury hotel. It was a German base in World War II and a secret NATO bunker during the Cold War, being shrouded in mystery until its decommissioning in 2015. Even today the summit of Monte Cavo is interdicted and populated with antennas.
Trivia
Mountains and lakes in ancient times symbolized masculinity and femininity, respectively. According to one historian's interpretation, however, Mount Cavo seen from the nearby town of Genzano could be likened to the pregnant belly of a woman giving birth to Lake Nemi. Thus a link would be created between the masculine symbolism of the mountain with the temple of Jupiter, and the feminine symbolism, represented by the lake and the Goddess Diana, worshipped in the adjacent temple.
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