Carnia: Romea Strata by bicycle

Romea Strata by bicycle
Roman paved road along the Bandit Woods
Romea Strata by bicycle

Cycling to Discover the passage of the ancient Romans along the Romea Strata.

Romea Strata by bicycle retraces the passage of the ancient Romans, through places and paths of the past, in a unique and incredible experience in Carnia.

Location
Zuglio

Duration
5 hours

Difficulty
Medium

Participants
1 to 10


Activity in brief

  • This experience offers an original way to relive history by following an ancient Roman route: the Romea Strata.
  • You can cycle over old Roman paved paths, along the cycle track, cross river bridges that give a view of the entire valley, where you can completely immerse yourself in nature.
  • 360° panorama surrounded by the Carnic Alps (M.Crostit, M.Zoncolan, etc.).
  • Roman archaeological finds, an ancient Lombard border unique in Italy, a thousand-year-old forest, the culture and history of Carnia, the But river where you can cool your legs, and the possibility of eating in a typical farmhouse.
  • In the company of a bicycle touring guide, you can enjoy the experience in complete safety.

Route development: Romea strata by bicycle

Romea strata by bicycle

What is it?

Romea Strata means ‘Romea Road’ (Romea Iulia Augusta), an important route for pilgrims based on the medieval trade routes that served to bring amber, salt, iron, and silk to Italy.

This route also passes through Friuli and in our specific case through Carnia, in the But valley.

The Via Romea Iulia Augusta begins at the Monte Croce Carnico (Plöckenpass), which separates Italy from Austria, specifically the province of Ost Tirol. You cross the mountain pass through Carnia, where you can admire the important Roman archaeological centre of Zuglio. The route joins the Monte Croce Carnico pass and touches many ancient parish churches.

Overview

The tour starts in Zuglio, runs north-south and predominantly sunny and follows Roman roads. The start immediately includes an obligatory passage at the Roman forum Iulium Carnicum and then continues towards Arta Terme following the cycle path along the But Torrent.

From there we continue along the Roman path that takes us to the Alzeri locality, a panoramic point from which we can see the “face of Attila”. We continue up the Torrente But, the torrent of the same name in the valley, which we follow as far as Paluzza. Where we will leave it to enter a treasure chest of monumental beech trees.

The route continues as far as the locality of “Enfretors” from where we can admire the Moscarda Tower, symbol of the municipality of Paluzza. We continue up a forest road that takes us to a bridge on the cycle track overlooking the valley, and then descend to the last stage, namely Cleulis. Weather and season permitting, it will be possible to cool off in the clear waters of the But Torrent.

Cycling experience

An excursion to retrace the places of interest and roads travelled by the ancient Romans (easy/medium difficulty). Along the route we can find points of historical, cultural and other interest, as well as panoramic viewpoints, clear river waters with the possibility of cooling off, streams and brooks flowing down through millennial forests. Finally, an agritourism where we can refresh ourselves after a satisfying ride, where we can each tell and share our own experiences.

Dynamic route

A route that is easily adaptable to all people and for all difficulties, fun fulfilling and of historical and cultural importance.

Tour data

Full route: 30,7 km 15,1 km/h 810 m 710 m ~5h.

Standard route: 22 km 10,1 km/h 260 m 260 m ~3h.

N.B. these are approximate figures calculated on the slowest pace.

Route development

tour map romea strata

Click here to enlarge image

Type: circular route .
Start and finish: Zuglio
Development: Zuglio, Arta Terme, Paluzza and Cleulis
Direction: North – South

Gallery

Aerial shot of the Roman forum in Zuglio

Book the tour Romea strata by bicycle

If you would like more information about this tour, or if it simply struck you in a particular way, then what are you waiting for, contact me to schedule a date now!

author avatar
Alessio Somma