Exclusive interview with TusciaADVisors, one of the groups that will present their student project at the university event of Tuscia on December 16th.
On December 16, 2024, the University of Tuscia Studies of Viterbo will host a special event, organized by Professor Michele Zizza, which will see the participation of the Magnificent Rector (and the local authorities, including the mayor of Viterbo and the mayor of Vitorchiano). The meeting, promoted by the Chair of Digital Cultures and Social Media, will offer the opportunity to discover the innovative projects developed by the students of the course, engaged in sponsoring some of the most evocative places of Tuscia.
The aim of these projects is clear: to use social media to promote and enhance the naturalistic, historical and cultural heritage of the region. The students, divided into three groups, chose to focus on three distinct path, each intended to tell a different worder of the Tuscia.
We had the pleasure of interviewing some members of one of the groups involved, Tuscia Advisors, a communications agency made up of students from the University of Tuscia. This group chose to promote the Ring of Vitorchiano, a hiking path that passes through one of the most charming villages in the area.
"Our goal is to make the Ring of Vitorchiano better known," explains the group's project manager. "We want to attract not only outdoor lovers, but also those looking for an authentic experience in contact with nature".
The path, designed mainly for sportsmen, is still accessible even to those who are not an experienced hiker, as long as they approach it with the right caution. "The Ring is especially suitable for those with a bit of hiking experience, but it's not particularly challenging, other than the short path to reach the waterfall. In general, it doesn't have high slopes, although there are stretches that overlook cliffs. It's not dangerous, but you have to be careful," the TusciaADVisors group explain.
"Is it also suitable for families with children?" we ask. "Yes, but only if parents are prepared to pay attention to some of the more exposed stretches," they reply enthusiastically. "The path is perfect for sportsmen, but families might also appreciate it, if approached with caution. The beauty of the landscape and the immersion in nature is an experience worth living."
Then we get a question: "What was it like for you to create this project from scratch? Did you have any trouble getting organized?" The project manager responds with a smile: "Absolutely no! After choosing the site to promote together, we immediately decided on everyone's roles. We met on Zoom several times to plan the work and schedule, and we did the Ring of Vitorchiano path twice, both to gather content for social media and to make sure we promoted something that was really worthwhile. The thing that matters most to us is that people can trust us, even though TusciaADVisors was born as a simple university project."
We were impressed by the professionalism and sincerity of the guys, who at the end of the interview showed us their social networks, managed by themselves, and the website where they sponsor their work with care.
To better understand what makes the Ring of Vitorchiano special, we talked, under the advice of TusciaADvisors, with the Vice President of Pro Loco of Vitorchiano, Michele DeSantis, who gave us more details about the path and its fascinating history.
"The Ring is a really special path that allows you to discover our village in a unique way", DeSantis said. "The panoramic view of the surrounding area and the direct contact with nature are just some of the reasons that make it so fascinating."
But when was the path that we can walk today was created? "In 2018, thanks to Pro Loco, we took back an old CAI route, the path 125, which connects the historic center of Vitorchiano, from Piazza Roma, to the Parco dei Mostri di Bomarzo," he said.
"How is the path structured? Is it difficult?" we ask. "No, it's not difficult! Although someone might struggle to descend in the stretch towards the waterfall and climb up (laughs)." In fact, to reach the Martelluzzo waterfall, you have to descend along a very steep path, where several chains and support structures are already placed. Don't worry, though: this path is only a junction from the main path, so those who don't want to risk it can avoid it. However, it would be a shame to miss such a landscape, both for the beauty of the place and for the evocative remains of the ancient mill.
"The route is made up of two circuits connected by a single road, and the idea is to go counterclockwise. It takes about two hours to complete it," DeSantis said with a smile.
"And what is there to see along the way?" we ask. "Plenty!" Along the way, you can admire the peperino sculptures made during the 'Peperino in Fiore' event, the remains of Etruscan walls, the medieval castle, dwellings carved into the rock, a Longobard church and a breathtaking view of the Tevere valley. And then, nature: centuries-old oaks and perhaps a few squirrels that show up along the path."
DeSantis emphasizes the importance of the peperino sculptures for Vitorchiano. "They are the symbol of our country. Every year, during 'Peperino in Fiore', new works are created, and in recent years these sculptures have been created by students of the Accademia delle Belle Arti in Rome. It is an event born to enhance this typical stone of Vitorchiano," he said. Along the way, in fact, one often comes across peperino rocks, a volcanic stone that comes from the remains of Monte Cimino. This stone is exported all over the world for its typicality!
Speaking about the medieval castle, Mr DeSantis added: "The castle, which dates back to the late 1100s, is now in ruins, but it still retains the main structure and some details, such as the holes where the beams were inserted to close the door. The last family to live there was the Orsini."
"Are there times when it is best to avoid the route?" he asked."Yes, during the boar hunting season it is best to avoid," he said. Also, after heavy rains, some areas can become impassable," he added.
Vitorchian has a fascinating history, and DeSantis is visibly proud of his village. "Our country has never had a master. From 1267 to 1870, the Vitorchian served as guards of the Campidoglio. It's a country that has always maintained its autonomy," he said.
One historical curiosity concerns Caesar Borgia. According to the story, in 1501 he asked for hospitality from the people of Vitorchiano, but was rebuffed."Despite the refusal," DeSantis recounts, "Caesar wrote a parchment in which he directly apologized to the "beloved people" for not letting him in, a truly unique gesture for him, since he usually addressed only the nobles!"
"And are there other curiosities along the way?" he asks. "Yes," he adds, "there are remains of anthropomorphic tombs and ancient vats used to process grapes. Some of the dwellings were hypogee, facing directly onto the cliffs from which one could only enter via wooden ladders and ropes on the slopes, so they were more protected from animals. These houses were also shelters during the Second World War."
"Before to say goodbye, why would you advise anyone reading us to come and try this path?" We ask him finally. "I think it's absolutely worth seeing for the panoramic view from the highest point, which is incredible: it stretches all the way to the Tevere valley and beyond, towards the borders with Soriano and Bomarzo."
The Tuscia project is just one example of how students at the University of Tuscia are using their digital creativity to promote the beauty of their land. Through the use of social media, Tuscia is gaining visibility, attracting hikers and tourists from all over the world.
The event on December 16th promises to be an important opportunity for academics, local institutions and the community to come together. The aim is to highlight the heritage of Tuscia and promote its beauty, to maximize the potential of digital media. And now, just get going: the Ring of Vitorchiano is ready to unveil all its wonders, and maybe the next project to discover could be yours!
Arianna Carducci
Donatella Mascolo
