The estate of
Torrecchia Vecchia
Explore a Hidden Ecosystem in Castelli Romani
The Torrecchia estate, rich in medieval and Roman history, boasts diverse habitats fostering lush biodiversity. Recognized as a "Natural Monument" in 2007 with WWF support, it is protected by the Lazio region, the European Environment Agency, UNEP, and the IUCN for its exceptional archaeological and ecological significance.
A lush vegetation
The estate covers over 250 hectares of woodland. The plant species are very diverse. Various oak species can be found, such as the cork oak (Quercus suber), the downy oak (Quercus pubescens), the Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), and the holm oak (Quercus ilex).
These wild species, being protected, coexist with hazel (Corylus avellana), viburnum (Viburnum), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), and butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus). Within the estate, ten cork oaks, each with a circumference exceeding four meters, have been classified as "monumental trees" by the State Forestry Corps.
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Forest of Cyclamens and Majestic Trees
The discerning hiker can also appreciate a characteristic feature of the place: the carpet of Naples cyclamens (Cyclamen hederifolium) that covers part of the forest.
Also noteworthy is the presence of the hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), the flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus), the field maple (Acer campestre), the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo), the beech (Fagus), and the linden (Tilia).
Originating from volcanic material from the Colli Albani, the soil is mainly composed of mixtures of effusive and pyroclastic rocks, such as volcanic tuff.
A Protected Wildlife
The protection of the Torrecchia ecosystem has created a privileged habitat for significant wildlife. It is not uncommon to encounter foxes, pheasants, hares, porcupines, badgers, hedgehogs, blackbirds, doves, quails, wood pigeons, woodcocks, blackcaps, thrushes, cattle egrets, hoopoes, owls, peregrine falcons, buzzards, grebes, and little bitterns. In some years, the presence of the most mysterious predator has also been observed: the wolf.
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A "Wildly Curated" Masterpiece
