Cesi-Santa Caterina- Carsulae-Poggio Azzuano-Cesi
According to tradition, Cesi was founded by people who left the Roman town of Carsulae after it was abandoned. Conversely, another tradition speaks of the foundation of Carsulae after the construction of Via Flaminia by the mountain people where Cesi is now located. So maybe there is a dual relationship between Cesi and the beautiful archaeological area nearby.
| Path | Circular |
| Distance | About 11 km |
| Height difference | 300 meters |
| Difficulty | Hiking |
It can be reached on foot from Cesi with a simple excursion, suitable for families, which takes you on a fascinating journey through history. The trail starts from the village of Cesi and coincides with a part of a stage on the Way of Franciscan Protomartyrs. After having passed through dense holm oak woods you find yourself in front of the deconsecrated church of a small mediaeval village destroyed by the disputes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Then you need to take the paved road that goes up towards St.Erasmo. Turn left into the woods and follow the trail until the remains of the church of Saint Catherine of Poggio Azzuano which was also run by the Templars before being destroyed.
From here you start to go down towards Carsulae which is reached after the car park. The archaeological area can be visited for a fee (www.carsulae.site).
Carsulae was a municipality with important monuments: a theatre, an amphitheatre, thermal baths, a forum and various temples. Here you can walk along the ancient Via Flaminia and under the imposing St.Damian Arch. You can visit a small museum and see (only with a guide) the most recent excavations.
On going back to Cesi you can follow the same trail or take the provincial road, which is still panoramic and with little traffic.
