If you love nature walks, this might be the perfect place to visit, just a short distance from Rome. We’re talking about the Museo Diffuso del Bosco, an innovative open-air museum project located in Rocca di Papa, in the heart of the Castelli Romani Regional Park. Stretching along the forest trails between Monte Cavo and the historic Via Sacra, the route combines contemporary art with the promotion of natural heritage and slow tourism.
Land Art Works
Among the installations, “Flora” stands out—a monumental wooden sculpture approximately 4 meters tall created by artist Marco Martalar using recycled materials. Walking along the ancient Roman cobblestones of the Via Sacra, you can discover sculptures of animals (wolves, foxes, dormice, hawks) made of Corten steel, a rust-colored material that blends perfectly with the colors of the earth and the forest.
Along the trails, visitors will also encounter intriguing interactive works, such as the large wooden “giant binoculars,” located at the end of a short climb, which frame a splendid panoramic view of Lake Nemi.
Also not to be missed are the reproductions of works by Gianlorenzo Palazzi—a combative-sounding pseudonym chosen to shield the fragile soul of the painter Gemma, who passed away prematurely. Her artistic work envisions a luminous tomorrow: enchanted oases where abstract female figures guide the viewer toward a serene, fearless dimension.
Lunch Break in Nature
The Monte Cavo Mountain Hut serves as the main stop along the trail (which is part of the largerExperience Park circuit). Currently open Friday through Sunday, the hut offers visitors the chance to stop for lunch with set menus, sandwiches, aperitifs, or a simple cup of coffee. The area is equipped with sofas and lounge chairs for relaxing outdoors.
The area also features a designated zone for archery and offers e-bike rentals for exploring the trails in a sustainable way. Right near the refreshment stand, you’ll also find the art installation “Testa tra le piante.”
