The River Park of Isola del Liri: A Journey Through Nature and History

The River Park of Isola del Liri is a true natural and historical gem in the Ciociaria region.

This 2-kilometer route connects the heart of the town to the Vadurso area, near the Abbey of San Domenico, on the border with Sora. Along the way, visitors can immerse themselves in a lush and evocative environment, surrounded by the typical riverside vegetation of the Liri River and the remnants of the town’s industrial past.

The route begins in the center of Isola del Liri, specifically at the Ponte di Roma (Rome Bridge). Here, visitors can already breathe in the park’s unique atmosphere, which blends natural beauty with artistic installations. Continuing onward, one arrives at a green area equipped for relaxation, home to the Modesto Galante Municipal Library. This space is not only a spot for rest and leisure but also a place of historical memory: among fountains and charming corners, visitors can admire installations made from parts of machinery once used in the town’s old paper mills—evidence of Isola del Liri’s industrial heritage.

A little further along, the route offers one of its most spectacular sights: the Valcatoio Waterfall. This impressive 27-meter waterfall is not only visually striking but is also part of a still-operational hydroelectric plant.

Leaving the waterfall behind, the path gently ascends past the former municipal slaughterhouse, climbing the slope of San Sebastiano hill until it reaches the dam located near the Boncompagni-Viscogliosi Castle. This majestic structure, a symbol of Isola del Liri, dominates the surrounding landscape and offers a privileged viewpoint over the Liri Valley.

Once at the dam, the path splits into two options.

The right-hand trail winds through dense shrub vegetation along the Liri River, leading to the Remorici area. Here, visitors can observe the remains of the former Ciccodicola Wool Mill, a testament to the region’s textile industry of the past.

The main path continues toward Viale Barca San Domenico, near the Sora Fairgrounds. Here, the journey through time becomes even more apparent: one encounters the ruins of the Ponte Marmone, a bridge dating back to the 1st century BCE, and finally arrives at the confluence of the Fibreno and Liri rivers, where the Abbey of San Domenico stands.

The River Park of Isola del Liri is a trail suitable for everyone, from seasoned hikers to those simply looking for a pleasant stroll immersed in nature. Thanks to its short length and numerous points of interest, it’s an ideal destination for those wishing to explore the area in a relaxing yet culturally and scenically enriching way.