366 Environs of Rome. TIVOLI. Sabine Mts.
limestone-rock of Mte. Catillo, 290 yds. and 330 yds. in length
respectively. In 1834 the water of the Anio was admitted to its
new channel, in presence of Gregory XVI., by the engineer Folchi,
and a *New Waterfall of imposing appearance, and about 330 ft. in
height, was thus formed (to the left of the temple of the Sibyl).
Two ancient bridges and several tombs were discovered on the oc¬
casion.
Near the above-named church of S. Giorgio is an iron gate
(attendant 4-5 soldi), leading to the Grotto of Neptune, which was
formerly the channel of the main branch of the Anio. The new
works drew off the greater part of the water from this channel, but
the fall is still very fine. The excellent path, affording picturesque
glimpses of the great fall, was constructed by the French general
Miollis. Following this path to the right, we cross a wooden bridge,
and reach the grotto in a few minutes. — We now return to the gal¬
lery hewn in the rock, and pass through it, descend to the lowest
point to which the path leads, and finally mount a flight of stone
steps, constantly wetted by spray, to the fantastically shaped
■"Sirens' Grotto. From this point we return to the path, which
ascends at first in steps and afterwards in zigzags. Halfway up,
where the zigzags terminate, near some cypresses, a path diverges
to the left, at first ascending a few steps, then descending, and
leading in a few minutes to a Platform of masonry, immediately
above the new fall. — We now return and continue to ascend, and
at the top of the hill turn to the left to a Terrace planted with
olives, whence we enjoy a charming * view of the temple of the
Sibyl, above us, and of the new waterfall below. Passing through
a door, which a custodian opens (fee), we may proceed to the fall
and the entrance of the two tunnels by which the Monte Catillo is
penetrated (see above; 372 steps long; to persons inclined to giddi¬
ness the walk by the roaring stream is not recommended). — From
the terrace we follow the main path on the same level, constantly
affording a view of the temples on the right. The path then passes
under the street and reaches the exit to the right (10c). — Visitors
now generally walk through the town gate (Porta S. Angelo) to the
right, and beyond it follow the road to the left, which runs at the
same level along the slope above the river, and affords a series of
more extensive views of the falls. Fine olive trees on the road.
After 3/4 M. we reach the first point of view, a round Terrace en¬
closed by masonry, and ('/2 M.) a second *Terrace, commanding an
admirable view of the new fall, of Tivoli, and of the smaller water¬
falls below the town, known as *Le Cascatelle, formed by a branch
of tlie Anio.
The guides usually turn here. Visitors who wish to return by
another route may continue to follow the same road. About l/t M.
farther, various ancient ruins, probably the remains of a villa of
(Jiiintilius Varus, are seen near the small church of £. Maria di
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