The Roccaccia ruins, and the canyon of the river Tiber just below it, is one of those hidden places in Umbria that is gaining popularity, and rightly so. If you like hiking outdoor in nature, and happen to be in the Orvieto or Todi area this is one of the activities that you should not miss.
This is an easy walk of about 7 Km and takes about 2 hours to go and come back, so it is also good for families or who is not really experienced in trekking and outdoor activities.
The walk starts from the parking of Titignano Castle which is an ancient settlement dated back to the X century and founded by descendants of the french family of Montmarte. During the last millennia the property of the castle has passed through many lords and marquises and, from the middle of the XX century, is held by the marquises Incisa della Rocchetta which began a project to restore the ancient village and turned it into a fascinating travel destination with many accomodations and a restaurant, not to forget the winery and olive oil production. Titignano Castle is also a marvelous location for weddings, with its astonishing view on the Corbara Lake.
But since we are here just to have a walk amidst the nature and don’t want to get marry for today, let’s see how to get to the castle.
Where is Titignano Castle?
The village of Titignano is not so far from Orvieto, so if you are in the area you should drive up the hills towards Marsciano taking the SS317 road until Colonnetta di Prodo.
If you are in the Todi area instead, you should take the SS448 road from Todi to Orvieto: you will drive just below the Roccaccia which will be hidden in the forest on your left just before the Corbara Lake. Follow directions for the village of Corbara and once passed follow the directions for Colonnetta.
In both cases once arrived at Colonnetta di Prodo turn left following the directions for Todi and pass the village of Prodo. After few kilometers look for the signs for Titignano and take the white road on the left. You will be at Titignano in a few minutes. Beware that the road has many curves. Park just outside of the castle.
The walk to La Roccaccia ruins
Let’s get ready to walk! Wear comfy shoes and a hat for the sun and take the white road on the right of the church’s bell tower you will see from the parking.
Following the white road you will pass through the castle’s vineyard and you can see the first glimpse of the Corbara Lake and a beautiful landscape. At the first crossroad take the path on the right and continue.
After a while, if you turn right, you will see Titignano Castle from far away and also the ruins of the old castle of the Montmarte family. Continuing amidst the woods you will reach an abandoned farmhouse where you can rest a bit if you like, so you can also admire the city of Todi from an unusual distance on your right.
Following the path you will soon reach a glade where you will find, almost hidden among the bushes, a sign indicating the path to La Rocaccia (path 5b), which should be on your right, and follow it.
Soon after you will be at La Roccacia. Enter the ancient stone entrance and be prepared to be amazed by the astonishing view below!
You can take some rest and use the same path to go back.
