
Regional Nature Reserve Lake Vico
The Excursion
The Natural Reserve of Lake Vico was established with the regional law of 28 September 1982 and has a difference in altitude that varies from 505 to 963 m above sea level. It is part of the Monti Cimini district and is the lake with the highest altitude in Italy. The surface is surrounded by a mountainous ring whose ridges represent the circumference of the Vicano volcano, which sank more or less 400,000 years ago, it is one of the most intact lakes in the nation. Originally, the reserve included only the municipality of Caprarola but with the regional law of 2008 the extension was enlarged to also include the area of Ronciglione.
Observing the territory from the old platform where, once, it was used for paragliding, you have a complete picture of how the area is divided.
The “Pantanacce” Marsh to the northwest of the lake is one of the largest in Lazio. The environment is ideal for stopping, wintering and nesting for a large variety of birds. In this area, to facilitate the observation of aquatic birds and avoid disturbance, an observatory has been built that can accommodate both groups and school groups.
The Woods: most of the Nature Reserve is covered by beautiful, lush woods that extend for about 900 hectares, whose growth is favored by abundant rainfall and the fertility of the soil. The presence of the fago in this area is very particular given that here it descends to altitudes well below its altitudinal limit (530 m on Monte Venere). The “Faggeta depressa” of Monte Venere is of notable naturalistic and scientific interest and is protected in its entirety. In addition to the beech and the Turkey oak, the woods of the reserve are home to other tree species such as holm oaks, flowering ashes, maples, etc. Among the undergrowth species we remember the holly (protected by the regional law of 1974, which sometimes reaches a tree size), the hawthorn, the butcher's broom, etc.
The remaining portion of the territory is occupied by chestnut and hazelnut crops, a typical product and the pride of Tuscia.



