geocalia
The medieval bridge of St Francis over the Aniene river, with its towerAttilios at English Wikipedia · Public domain

What to do · Subiaco

Subiaco: the old town, the Rocca and St Francis's Bridge

The medieval village huddled beneath the abbatial Rocca, with sloping alleys, and the stone bridge of St Francis over the Aniene, on the outskirts.

Information
Duration
1 h 30
Season
All year
Who it's for
A walk, photography
With a dog
Leashed in the streets

The old town of Subiaco climbs in a spiral up a hill crowned by the abbatial Rocca, the fortress of the abbots who ruled the valley. It is a stone village, with stairways, arches and huddled houses, which can be walked in an hour.

The walk

Climb through the streets of the old town to the esplanade of the Rocca, from where you can see the Aniene valley and, opposite, the road of the monasteries. Then go down towards the river and leave the village for the Ponte di San Francesco, a medieval single-arch bridge with a tower at one end, over the Aniene. It is the classic photo of Subiaco.

When

Mid-afternoon, after the monasteries and before returning to Rome. In summer, the river beside the bridge cools the walk.

Tips

  • Finish at the bridge It is the best place to see the Aniene.
  • Comfortable shoes The old town is all stairs and cobbles.

Frequently asked questions

How much time is needed?

An hour and a half with the bridge.

Can you visit the Rocca inside?

It opens on occasion; ask in the village. The walk to the esplanade is free.

Can you go with a dog?

Yes, on a lead.

As a familyWith a dog

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

To stay nearby

The monastery buildings and the foresteria at the foot of the wooded mountain© Monasteri di SubiacoPilgrim hostel

Foresteria of the Monastery of Santa Scolastica

Monastic guesthouse · Rooms for 1 to 5 people · Restaurant · Next to the monasteries

Why we like it: The guesthouse of the Benedictine monks next to the monastery of Santa Scolastica, with rooms for 1 to 5 people and a restaurant open to all.

The stone house of the farm stay with its wooden porch among trees© Agriturismo Colle TocciCountry house

Agriturismo Colle Tocci

Farm stay · Restaurant · Rooms and apartments · Breakfast included

Why we like it: Family farm stay on a hill above the upper Aniene valley, with double or multiple rooms, two apartments and a country-cooking restaurant; from €90 a double.

From €90 / night View details

Itineraries

Features in these plans