In the ascent to the town from the station, on the right is a
beautiful valley, once a lake, but now drained, called the Vale of
Ariccia. It is not known when it was drained. It is thus alluded to by
Ovid ("Fasti," iii. 263):--
"Deep in Ariccia's vale, and girt around
With shady trees, a sacred lake is found;
Here Theseus' son in safe concealment lay,
When hurried by the violent steeds away."
_Passing through the town_, we come to the Viaduct of Pius IX.
(1846-1863).
Just before reaching the viaduct, the old Appian Way branches off to
the right, descending the side of the Vale of Ariccia. Several remains
of tombs exist at this point, notably that of Aruns, the son of
Porsena of Clusium.