Geoheritage, geotourist value and itineraries proposal in the Trisulti of Collepardo area (Ernici Mounts, Lazio)

The tourism dynamics in the Lazio region are strongly influenced by the Rome cultural heritage attractive. Although the surrounding provinces are characterized by interesting cultural landscapes, they unfortunately are considered crossing areas on the ways to Naples and Florence destinations. It is what happens in Frosinone province (80 km south east of Rome), where pilgrimages and quick touristic experiences let ignore the naturalistic heritage of the territory. In example, Ernici Mounts are characterized by the spiritual culture of hermitages, strictly related to the karst morphology. The mixture of natural and cultural aspects is a real opportunity of geotourist enhancement and local economic development. In this work we present the inventory of the Ernici Mounts geosites, aimed to the evaluation of the geotourist potential of the area. The geomorphological survey allowed to inventory three geomorphosites, to be add to the regional geosite inventory. The quantification of the Geotourist Value of a Site index recognized a high geotourist potential in the Trisulti of Collepardo area. Its geotourist enhancement is proposed by means of an itinerary describing historical, legend, spiritual and of course geomorphological aspects. The geotourist potential of the territories surrounding Rome confers an added value to the traditional tourism of Lazio region. It can starts a virtuous tourist circuit between the capital city and the surrounding provinces, particularly those where the morphology and geology are specifically linked to the cultural and economic development.