The lonely limestone mountain of Mount Soratte looms on the horizon north of Rome. Although its height is modest, 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 the southern ridge lies the town of Sant’Oreste, which was named after a Christian who was martyred in the region. Trails from the town lead to the mountain’s peak. Prior…
