The best cycling routes around Monteflavio

The sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie is linked to Nerola both dynastically and devotionally. It was indeed Raimondo Orsini, Duke of Gravina and Count of Nerola, who had the church and convent built for the Franciscan Amadeiti, as a sign of gratitude towards the blessed Amedeo Menezes da Silva. The venerated image of the Madonna delle Grazie came from the castle of Nerola, from where it was brought to the church in a solemn procession on Pentecost Day in 1480. Local sources report that the Madonna venerated in the sanctuary was found in the castle of Nerola, or at least kept there, and then transferred to the new conventual church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. According to the sanctuary's tradition, the blessed Amedeo found the image of the Madonna in the castle of Nerola by revelation and left the castle of Nerola in procession for its new home precisely upon the completion of the sanctuary's construction in 1480. In a later age, the image was first placed in the first side chapel and then, in 1826, on the high altar. The sources of the Via Mariana recall that the venerated image was crowned in 1779 and, after a theft, was crowned again in 2008 by Cardinal Angelo Comastri. Another record describes the image as placed above the altar, stripped after the theft and recently restored, also with the contribution of gold offered by the population. Alongside this Marian devotion, a wooden triptych commissioned by the Orsini from Antoniazzo Romano is also documented in the sanctuary, with the Madonna and Child between Saint Francis and Saint Anthony of Padua, but distinct from the miraculous image that is the object of popular worship.

Piazza Mazzini

After passing Licenza, along the San Benedetto by bike path, there is a sign that warns you to enter the Monti Lucretili Regional Park.

Monte Guardia 1184 metres

This small village nestled in the Lucretili mountains gives its name to the most famous lagustelli, which are located to the south of the town. Percile is also included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Like most of the villages in Lazio, Percile also has a thousand-year history that begins in Roman times (the name probably derives from a noble Roman family, Porcia) and continues through papacies and families, such as that of the Orsini family, for reach us.

Licenza is a charming Lazio village characterized by narrow paved streets, stone houses and an authentic atmosphere. One of the curiosities of Licenza is its tradition of producing delicious porcini mushrooms, which attracts cooking enthusiasts and nature lovers during the autumn period to explore the surrounding woods and enjoy delicious mushroom-based dishes.

Mount Guardia, or La Guardia, is the least known peak of the Lucretili mountains, perhaps due to its more secluded position compared to the nearby Pellecchia and Gennaro. The routes to reach this peak are longer than those to other areas of the park, but the view from here is worth all the effort.

Splendid glimpse of the Maricella ditch and of the extraordinary rock formations. This very suggestive place is easily reachable from Civitella and offers a clearing with a picnic area. Ideal for a short excursion even with children.