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Starting from: 0 per person
2h
English, Italian
Unlimited
River
Suitable for children
Suitable for couples
Pets allowed
Parking available
Barrier-free
Language supports
The price is 240 € for groups of 1 to 13 people
In the wonderful and unparalleled landscape of the Matese Regional Park, places of truly striking beauty such as the enchanting Gorge of Sink. It is a nature trail created over the millennia by the passage of the waters of the Titerno River.
Various other sites of natural and historical interest can be visited along the trail, such as the Fairy Caves, the Mill Bridge, the so-called Wall, the intriguing Witches' Cave, the Hanging Peach Bridge, the historian Hannibal Bridge, the Elephant Cave, the Cave of the Brigands and the scenic Belvedere over the Gorge.
The trail which runs through the Forre di Lavello and follows the course of the Titerno River, is a very old mule track dating back to theSamnite period. It formed a passage connecting the valley to the imposing mountain above it.
Located on the border between Cerreto Sannita and Cusano Mutri, this natural site was formed by the erosive action of the rushing waters of the Titerno River. These in fact, have literally carved a canyon as deep as 30 meters between the rocky walls of the Erban Mountains and Swan, thus creating the "Sink."
The trail begins at a large wooded area where benches are set up. From here one can walk along the mule track that runs along the rock face on one side while on the left there is a scenic drop from which one can follow the path of the river. On this side are installed signs highlighting the presence of the various other nature sites and the relative distance at which they are located.
By visiting all the sites on the trail, one can make a fairly challenging hike that has the flavor of a small adventure in the Cusan woods. However, if you simply want to take a walk without venturing too far among the various caves and gorges, you can freely choose to walk only the main road, which is suitable for everyone. This will still lead you to a majestic bridge that you can cross to get to the other side and continue your walk. This is the Lavello Bridge, completely made of stone and consisting of several arches over the river and from which you can enjoy a truly spectacular view of the turquoise waters of the stream that crosses the white rock walls.
This bridge is clearly visible already from the main trail, and there are several picnic areas where you can take breaks completely immersed in nature. There is also a bike path along the trail, which the more athletic will enjoy.
Venturing into the unspoiled beauty of the Lavello Gorge, you can choose to start the trail by crossing a charming little wooden bridge: the Bridge by Hanging Peach Tree. It is so called because this bridge is located near a huge boulder called precisely "Piscu 'mpis" (i.e., Hanging Peach or, more exactly, Balanced Boulder). The boulder, for safety reasons, was crushed with mines and dropped in 1965.
The small but characteristic bridge will allow you to cross the river. On the other side the wonderful mixed grove of oak, maple, hornbeam and an ever-present chestnut forest will await you. A fork in the road will present you with the opportunity to visit the Brigands' Cave on one side and the Witches' Cave on the other. The choice is yours!
The first (or last) leg of the journey is the Witches' Cave. This small cave with an intriguing name is located near the Hanging Peach Bridge, which, depending on your choice, may be the beginning or the end of the route to the Lavello Gorge. The little cave is small but we still recommend that you drop in before continuing on the rest of the route.
The Cave of the Brigands, on the other hand, represents perhaps the most "adventurous" part of the trail, and to probe it all will take you almost an hour.
This cave is also called Closed Cave as the visit is not very easy. It appears from the beginning, as a small fissure in the rock face accessible only by crawling. Inside it, three different areas open up.
The first is low and wide, and descending to the end of this space gives access to the second, even smaller "hall" of the cave, which at the top presents the third part called the "Cathedral," an additional cove that can only be reached by crawling and climbing that is narrow but very high.
All the environments in this cave are wet, cold, muddy and quite slippery. Since it is completely dark, it is necessary to be equipped with a flashlight to visit it. However, this cave is also the shelter and home of some animals such as bats, frogs and various insects. So one must try not to make too much noise and keep the flashlight lights low so as not to disturb them.
Peculiar formations of stalactites and stalagmites, will entertain your imagination.
Of most peculiar appearance is the Elephant Cave, a truly bizarre cave: its entrance, when admired from a distance, resembles a large white elephant. The effect is given by pillars of limestone rock that, spontaneously, have taken on this curious and sympathetic conformation.
Next, a detour will lead you to the Fairy Cave. This cave was excavated in the white limestone several decades ago, precisely in the 1960s, in order to probe the territory and thus assess the possibility of erecting a dam. The cave consists of two long corridors and has no artificial lighting. So it is possible to visit it only if equipped with a flashlight.
Returning to the main path, the walk continues to the quaint Mill Bridge. The small stone bridge that has the shape of an arch. It has no side guards and possesses a very rustic appearance. Despite its present appearance, however, this small bridge served until the 1950s to allow the crossing of the river.
On the opposite side was the so called "Zì Fiore's Mill" active until a few decades ago, this side is still a great place to take a pleasant break halfway along the trail.
Going up through the woods, you continue your visit by reaching another small wooden bridge. You will have to cross it to reach a truly enchanting viewpoint: the Belvedere over the Gorge. The spectacle that awaits you is unique. You will have the opportunity to admire the gorges and the watercourse with small waterfalls between the high rock walls. The pristine landscape will give you an unparalleled feeling of freedom, and you will be able to reconnect with the nature around you.
The last stop of our visit is near the ford of the river. When the stream is dry in summer periods, you can cross this area directly, paying attention to the shape of the rocks that make up the path. Here rises the peculiar Hannibal Bridge. A huge arch overlooking this part of the river and which, according to tradition, was used by the African leader in the course of the Second Punic War.
With Movery you always have a digital assistant at your side. Before booking we are at your disposal to clarify any doubts, after booking we will send you all the partner's information with which you can define the last little details. Don't worry until the experience is completed (and even during) our assistant will be there to resolve any unforeseen issues and clarify any doubts.
