Caserta's plain is strongly linked to the ancient Rome, not just for the history of ancient Capua but for the sense of sacred that is still felt over the area today.
Many towns in fact, still retain in their toponym, the name linked to ancient divinities, such as the pretty hamlet of Giano Vetusto, located at the bottom of mount Trebulani.
From the small center a very particular and suggestive path begins. From the small church dedicated to San Filippo, recently restored, one can walk along the reliefs guarding the town and then arrive to the small abandoned village of Rocciano, an evocative place closely linked to the current town of Giano: both possessing, in their names, what once was the ancient god of the "Soglia" (Threshold), the god Giano. The abandoned village has a very strong emotional charge, palpable right from its alleys ... it seems to be transported back in time, in those centuries when Rocciano was populated and teeming with industrious life.
After a short contemplative break, the route climbs slowly but progressively towards the mountain "La Costa". The landscape changes at every step: sparse vegetation and rocky ground suddenly give space to a dense mixed forest. Perhaps the most exciting moment occurs once reached the natural terrace between mount La Costa and mount di Giano, when, emerging from a chestnut grove: a breathtaking panorama, embracing Monte Massico from the north and Vesuvius to the south, until the sea and the island of Ischia.
Technical Details:
Difficulty: E (medium)
Length: 10 km;
Duration: about 6 hours (including short breaks)
Recommended Equipment: technical trekking shoes required(the use of any other kind of shoes will preclude participation for safety reasons), trekking poles, comfortable layered clothing, windproof jacket/vest, hat/sunglasses and spare clothing to take with you or to keep in the car.
ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDE - Carlo Amendola
