Granpasso Castelli Romani
The non-competitive walk in the green heart of Rocca di Papa
About Granpasso
A walk that tells the story of the territory
The Granpasso Castelli Romani was born from a simple and winning idea: to showcase Rocca di Papa by walking through it. It is not a race; there is no time to beat and no rankings. It is a group of people starting together from Piazza della Repubblica and crossing the historic center, woodland trails, and viewpoints that make this corner of the Castelli Romani one of the most beautiful in the province of Rome at a leisurely pace.
The formula works: from the few dozen participants in the early editions, it has grown to several hundred walkers, with the 2026 edition recording a real boom in registrations weeks before the start.
Rocca di Papa and the Castelli Romani Park
Rocca di Papa is one of the highest towns in the Lazio region, perched on the slopes of Monte Cavo at over 700 meters above sea level, within the perimeter of the Castelli Romani Regional Park. It is a territory of volcanic origin, made of chestnut and beech forests, ancient Roman roads climbing toward the summit, and natural terraces from which the gaze reaches the sea.
The Granpasso route is specifically designed to tell this dual story: the old town with its narrow alleys and arches, and immediately after, the dense green of the woods. You cross the Loggetta area, the trails opening onto the valley, and the iconic areas of the town, usually finishing at the « La Pompa » Municipal Park, toward the Campi di Annibale.
Organizers and partners
The Granpasso is promoted by the ASD Atletica Rocca di Papa, chaired by Gabriele Zitelli, together with the walking section of the ASD Canarini Rocca di Papa, with the patronage of the Municipality of Rocca di Papa. Behind the event is the work of volunteers like Claudio Acciari, Nino Piccinni, and Luca Dipierro, who manage the route, safety, and hospitality.
- Assistance along the route guaranteed by the ASA Civil Protection, the Italian Red Cross, and AVIS
- Collaboration with the Castelli Romani Park Authority and the Local Police
- Historical and cultural contributions on the territory provided by local historian Piero Botti
What it is like to walk the Granpasso
The atmosphere is that of a successful village festival: you start early on Sunday morning when the air is still fresh, walk while chatting, stop at the refreshment points set up along the track, and arrive without rushing. The difficulty level is suitable for anyone with a minimum habit of walking: some ups and downs, dirt paths in the wooded sections; trekking or running shoes are recommended.
The event is pet-friendly: dogs on a leash are welcome, and every year a small four-legged patrol walks the entire loop with their owners.
Sport, nature, and promotion of the territory
The Granpasso is not just a sporting outing. The organizers have built it as a tool for tourism promotion and environmental education: respect for the trails, the "leave no trace" philosophy, and the rediscovery of the town's lesser-known places are as much a part of the event's message as the kilometers covered.
It is also an opportunity for the local economy: sponsors and local businesses support the initiative, and participants—many of whom arrive from Rome and other Castelli towns—often stay in town for lunch at local taverns and trattorias.
When it takes place
The date is not fixed: the 2025 edition took place in autumn, on Sunday, October 5th, while the 2026 edition was moved to late spring, Sunday, May 31st. It is therefore advisable to follow the official Facebook page « Granpasso Castelli Romani », where the date, the year's route, and registration methods are published a few months in advance.
Granpasso — edition 2026
Granpasso Castelli Romani 2026 — 6th Edition
The sixth edition of the Granpasso Castelli Romani took place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with the meeting point and start at Piazza della Repubblica in Rocca di Papa at 9:30 AM. This year's route, approximately 11 kilometers long, took participants through the alleys of the historic center, the woodland trails of the Castelli Romani Park, and the viewpoints of the Loggetta area, finishing at the « La Pompa » Municipal Park, near the Campi di Annibale.
Registrations opened well in advance: by early May, a real boom in sign-ups was recorded, with a bonus gadget reserved for the first 150 registrants by April 30. Several hundred walkers showed up at the start—local reports mention about 250 participants for the full route, with peaks of over 300 total attendees—including families, sports groups from neighboring towns, and trekking enthusiasts.
The organization was handled by the ASD Atletica Rocca di Papa, chaired by Gabriele Zitelli, together with the walking section of the ASD Canarini Rocca di Papa, with the patronage of the Municipality. The ASA Civil Protection, Italian Red Cross, AVIS, and Local Police operated along the route in collaboration with the Castelli Romani Park Authority.
« Your laughter, the desire to be together, and the spirit of adventure were the true heart of the Granpasso Castelli Romani », commented the organizers at the end of the day, with a commitment to return the following year with new emotions and new routes.
Programme Granpasso 2026
Sunday, May 31, 2026
- From 8:30 AM — Meeting and registration in Piazza della Repubblica, Rocca di Papa
- 9:30 AM — Start of the non-competitive walk
- Route — Approximately 11 km loop: historic center of Rocca di Papa, woodland trails of the Castelli Romani Park, Loggetta area
- Along the route — Refreshment points set up by volunteers; assistance from ASA Civil Protection, Italian Red Cross, and AVIS
- Finish — « La Pompa » Municipal Park, near the Campi di Annibale, with final refreshment and gadget distribution
Leisurely walk, no rankings or timing, open to all fitness levels. Pet-friendly event: dogs allowed on a leash.
Highlights Granpasso 2026
- 6th edition of the most popular non-competitive walk in Rocca di Papa
- About 250 walkers at the start, with over 300 total participants
- 11 km loop through the historic center, woods, and Loggetta viewpoints
- Finish at the « La Pompa » Municipal Park toward the Campi di Annibale
- Pet-friendly and family-oriented event
- Refreshments along the route and final refreshment included in the fee
- Patronage of the Municipality of Rocca di Papa and collaboration with the Castelli Romani Regional Park
Prices Granpasso 2026
Practical information — Granpasso
How to get there
By car from Rome: Via Appia Nuova or Via Tuscolana to Marino or Grottaferrata, then climb toward Rocca di Papa (about 30 km from the Grande Raccordo Anulare). By train: FL4 line Rome Termini – Albano/Frascati, then Cotral bus to Rocca di Papa. The meeting point is in Piazza della Repubblica, in the town center.
Parking
Parking spaces are available in areas near the center; on the morning of the walk, some streets in the historic center may be closed to traffic, so it is advisable to arrive a little early.
Registration and costs
Indicative fee for the 2026 edition: €10 for adults and €5 for children under 10, including refreshments along the route, final refreshment, gadget, insurance, and discount vouchers. Registration on-site and in advance through the organizers.
Information
Luca: +39 327 0906311 — Nino: +39 329 8871025. Updates on the Facebook page « Granpasso Castelli Romani ».
Tips
Trekking or running shoes with treaded soles, water, a cap, and a windbreaker: at this altitude, the weather can change quickly. Pet-friendly event, dogs allowed on a leash.
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Where does it take place — Granpasso
Piazza della Repubblica
Piazza della Repubblica, 00040 Rocca di Papa