The lonely limestone mountain of Mount Soratte (ancient Soracte) looms on the horizon north of Rome and although its height is modest (just under 700 meters), its peculiar isolation and history enhance its mysterious aura. Goethe in his Italian Journey, described the mountain in these terms: “Soracte stands out by itself in magnificent solitude. Probably this mountain is made of limestone and belongs to the Apennines.” On its southern ridge lies the town of Sant’Oreste, named after a Christian who was martyred in the region. Prior to the Christian age,…
