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Town: MARINO
Imagine to travel on a time machine and to see how the via dei laghi was 100.000,
or 50.000 years ago. The scenery would be that of a film: volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, and explosions. A sensational show:
an atmosphere rich in gases, a temperature reaching 300°C
near the lava, and rains of different materials, i.e. lapilli,
scoriae and ashes. These detritus transported by a muddy masses,
after years of sedimentation generated that volcanic stone named
“peperino”. Quarries of this type of stone, no more
exploited, can be seen near the town of Marino, along the via
dei laghi.
Area's Natural Characteristics
The history of the “laziale” volcano began 600.000
years ago, with geological events and an eruptive activity,
that can be divided into three stages: the first two stages
concerning the volcano in the zones: Tuscolano-Artemisio and
Campi di Annibale; during this stages the eruptions were very
intense, reaching a distance of 300 kilometres. After these
two stages, there was the third one whose eruptions were similar
to a nuclear explosion. Stones and, rocks and other materials
were launched in the sky. The poured out rocks formed the craters,
now covered by the two lakes. These materials fell not only
in the craters but also in the surroundings creating the peperino
stone. The several eruptions which took place determined the
different peperino layers. The volcano's activity ended 20.000
years ago.
Place
The Quarries finds in via cave di peperino, near Marino's
railway station.
Roads and Public Transports
By car: From Rome cross the S.S. 7 Via Appia (slip-road
23 of G.R.A.), cross via dei laghi (S.S. 217) towards Marino,
when you reach the 5,600 km of via Appia, at the crossroads
with via Spinabella, turn to the left on via Cave di Peperino
and after 200 metres it is possible to see the Quarries on the
right. The car can be parked near the public gardens.
By train: There is a train starting each hour from Rome.
It will take you 30 minutes to reach Marino. For information
on train timetable call the phone number 848888088 or visit
the web page www.fs-on-line.it.
The railway station is at a distance of 100 metres from the
railway station.
By Bus: Rome-Marino-via dei laghi (Cotral bus service
phone number 800431784, phone number 067222153) from the underground
station ‘Anagnina' of the Linea A. It will take
you about 30 minutes to reach the bust stop on via Spinabella.
Topic
Geology
Visits
For information phone to the Associazione Pro-Loco di Marino,
Via Palazzo Colonna, 7, phone number 069385555. During Christmas
period, a very suggestive crib with real persons is represented
in the grottos of the quarries.
Tourist signs
There are not tourist signs, but only explanatory boards near
the quarries.
Further Information
Web sites: www.castellionline.com, www.hurricane.it/castelliromani.
Books: AA.VV., 1993. 14 Routes - Lazio. Guide
geologiche regionali, vol. 5. Società Geologica Italiana,
Roma.
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