The Patriarchs of the Woods

There are some among these that have reached an exceptional size over the centuries, defying adverse climatic conditions, damage caused by animals, and the carelessness of humans.

There are a few thousand specimens dispersed throughout different areas that have a high esthetic, cultural, and natural value, and that are an expression of not only the biodiversity of the countryside, but also the history of populations from the Roman period to the present day.

Some majestic examples may also be found within the woods of Castelporziano. Twenty-four monumental trees have been surveyed and included within the official register at the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policy.

The estate's former function as a game reserve has also contributed to the preservation of many specimens.

In the past, in order to ensure nourishment for animals of interest to hunters, particular attention was paid to the safeguarding of trees that produced berries, fruit, and acorns.

A forestry environment was therefore preserved that was rich in centuries-old specimens, which were difficult to observe elsewhere.

The trees and shrubs considered monumental are those of greatest botanical and forestry importance, which present exceptional dimensions, particular shapes, historical/cultural interest, esthetic value, and belong to species deemed to be rare for the environment being studied.

Each tree has its own specific nature. In some cases, the green patriarchs are jealous custodians of archeological finds, which were protected by dense vegetation before being brought to light, such as, for example, the holm oak at Capocotta, the roots of which grow around the remains of an ancient Roman-period construction, creating an unusual and evocative setting.

This magnificent, centuries-old (700–800-year-old) holm oak is 89 feet (27 m) tall and has a circumference of 13.94 feet (4.25 m). The trunk, mighty and elongated, grows horizontally and provides support for numerous ascending branches, creating foliage that is integrated into the same level as the surrounding plants.

Meanwhile, the centuries-old monumental Turkish oak, which boasts a height of 85 feet (26 m) and a circumference of 18.7 feet (5.7 m), is characterized by a trunk that is almost totally covered by a thick interweaving of moss and lichen.

There are also cork oaks within the woods on the estate. One of these has a squat and sturdy trunk, which supports ascending branches of considerable size. It is called candelabra because of the appearance given to it by its ample foliage, which extends in all directions.

The patriarchs are not only found in the woods.

A monumental eucalyptus has grown in isolation in the castle garden, 82 feet (25 m) high, and of considerable historical interest: it is held to be one of the foremost specimens planted in Italy, grown from seed imported directly from Australia during previous centuries.