Panoramic point among the Tolfa mountains rich in vestiges of the past
The sacred area of Grasceta dei Cavallari is located on the side of a small valley between the Sassicari and Mazza mountains, about 5 km north-east of Tolfa. It is a sanctuary of the pass frequented by the rural population of the surrounding area and by people passing through
The peace and beauty of these uncontaminated and wild places a short distance from Rome and the sea repay the effort of a walk lasting several hours.
The temple of Grasceta dei Cavallari, excavated and investigated on several occasions, represents the only presence of worship on the Tolfa mountains. Unfortunately, only the dry stone foundations remain of the temple, with a rectangular plan. From a hypothetical reconstruction, in the center there must have been a cell for sacred functions, surrounded by eight columns, of which no trace remains. The building must have had a base accessed by a central ramp and a sloping roof covered with terracotta tiles. From finds discovered, it is hypothesized the existence of a pediment decorated with figurative slabs and terracotta statues. Fragments of ceramics, votive terracottas, ex-votos date the building to the Etruscan-Roman period, with maximum splendor in the centuries from the 4th to the 3rd century BC. The excavations have brought to light numerous votive objects, terracotta representations of parts of the human body: feet, hands and even intenal organs.
