Tired of the city hustle? Craving a breath of fresh air and a step back in time? You're in luck! Just a stone's throw from Rome lie some truly incredible medieval villages, waiting to be discovered.
These often overlooked gems offer a peaceful escape, showcasing picturesque landscapes and breathtaking panoramas. With the festive spirit of Christmas in the air, these charming villages, adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant colors, become even more magical. It's the perfect opportunity for a day trip or a delightful weekend getaway, allowing you to create your own itinerary and explore these hidden treasures. Prepare to take notes – these medieval marvels near Rome are brimming with history and charm!
Sermoneta: A Perfectly Preserved Medieval Gem
Let's start our journey in Sermoneta, a town with just under 10,000 inhabitants in the province of Latina. This village is renowned as one of Italy's best-preserved medieval hamlets.
Historical Context
Situated in the Agro Pontino region, under the northern shadow of the Volsci mountains, Sermoneta has a history stretching back to ancient times. In fact, the Roman poet Virgil even mentioned its ancient city of Sulmo in his epic poem, the Aeneid. By the 13th century, Sermoneta became a significant stronghold for the powerful Caetani family, who controlled the surrounding territories.
Key Sites to Visit
- The Magnificent Castle: The most striking symbol of Sermoneta's golden age is its magnificent castle, built in the early 1200s. This impressive structure, complete with towers and ramparts, proudly overlooks the village from its elevated position.
- Abbey of Valvisciolo: Don't miss this ancient abbey, which is rich in history and legends. This site is shared with the nearby oases of Ninfa and Latina Scalo. One of the most intriguing legends associated with the abbey tells the story of Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who was tragically burned at the stake in 1314.
- Loggia dei Mercanti: Wander through the village and discover the ancient Gothic portico of the Loggia dei Mercanti, a testament to medieval commerce.
- Petrara Tower: Also worth a visit is the Petrara Tower, perched dramatically on a tufaceous hill, seemingly balancing precariously on a rocky outcrop.
Sermoneta truly offers a captivating glimpse into Italy's medieval past.
Canale Monterano: Echoes of History and Cinema
Next on our itinerary is Canale Monterano, a fascinating village nestled within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital.
Origins and Development
This is the newer settlement of what was once Monterano, now considered a ghost town. Located amidst the rolling hills of the Monti Sabatini, not far from the beautiful Lake Bracciano, Canale Monterano was born from the merging of the ancient village of Monterano with a 16th-century settlement. This new cluster of houses was built to accommodate workers and woodcutters from Tuscany and Umbria who were engaged in extensive deforestation efforts in the area.
Tradition and Culture
Canale Monterano is deeply connected to its traditions. Every May, the village comes alive as ancient arts, forgotten games, and lost crafts are revived by the local inhabitants and reenactors. It's a vibrant celebration of heritage.
A Star on the Big Screen
Interestingly, Canale Monterano has also played a starring role in cinema history! Famous films such as Ben-Hur, Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Gospel According to St. Matthew, and Mario Monicelli's trilogy were partly filmed amidst its evocative landscapes.
Notable Attractions
- Hermitage of Montevirginio: Built in a typical Renaissance style.
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo: This church houses a large statue dedicated to the Madonna dei Sette Dolori.
Canale Monterano offers a unique blend of history, tradition, and cinematic allure.
Anagni: The 'City of Popes' and Ancient Origins
Our next stop is Anagni, a town in the province of Frosinone, forever etched in history for the infamous "slap" – a symbol of the humiliation inflicted upon Pope Boniface VIII in its cathedral.
Papal Significance
Anagni has always been deeply connected to the Church. This community, now home to about 20,000 people, has produced no fewer than three popes: Gregory IX, Alexander IV, and Boniface VIII himself. For a significant period, Anagni also served as a papal seat. The infamous "slap" incident was so significant that Dante Alighieri referenced it in his Divine Comedy, viewing the offense against Boniface VIII as an offense against Christ.
Prehistoric Roots
The historical significance of Anagni extends much further back. In the Anagni basin, some of the earliest evidence of Homo sapiens in Italy has been discovered at Fontana Ranuccio, dating back over 400,000 years!
Historical Landmarks
- Cathedral of Santa Maria: The ancient settlement today boasts the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria, which notably houses the reliquary of Thomas Becket.
- Abbey of Santa Maria della Gloria: A beautiful 13th-century monastery.
Anagni is a captivating destination brimming with ecclesiastical and prehistoric significance.
Subiaco: Benedictine Roots and Imperial Legacies
Crossing into the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, we find Subiaco, a charming village straddling the Aniene River and embraced by the Simbruini Mountains.
Imperial Traces
Situated at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level, Subiaco carries the weight of impressive historical traces. The most significant are the remains of Nero's villa, built by the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which later became a focal point for the area's development.
The Birthplace of Monasticism
A must-see landmark is the Monastery of Santa Scolastica. Founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia, this complex features a Gothic church and a Romanesque bell tower, later redesigned in neoclassical style. What makes Subiaco unique is that this monastery is not only the oldest in Italy, founded in 520 AD, but also the oldest Benedictine monastery in the world!
A Center of Culture
This double distinction, along with its designation as the Italian Capital of Books in 2025, makes Subiaco a vibrant destination. Beyond the monastery, explore its numerous churches and the medieval Rocca dei Borgia.
Boville Ernica: Panoramic Views and Artistic Treasures
Our final stop on this tour of medieval villages near Rome brings us back to the province of Frosinone, to Boville Ernica. This enchanting village is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Location and Antiquity
A small community of 8,000 inhabitants nestled in the heart of Frosinone, Boville Ernica, formerly known as Bauco, sits atop a hill offering breathtaking panoramic views. Its origins are ancient, predating the Roman era. Evidence of its long history includes artifacts from the Iron Age and remains from other protohistoric and medieval settlement phases.
Destruction and Rebirth
The village was tragically destroyed by the Saracens and Hungarians before the year 1000. Following its refounding on the hill, it later hosted Saint Peter Ispano, a holy pilgrim who chose to settle in a cave near Bauco after his struggles for Christianity.
Artistic Highlights
- Church of San Pietro Ispano: This church houses a rare mosaic artwork by Giotto, known as "The Angel."
- Convent of San Francesco.
- Church of Santo Stefano: This church displays a collection of 17th-century canvases from the Bolognese school.
These special features make Boville Ernica an unmissable destination, just a short distance from Rome, and a jewel among its beautiful medieval villages.
0 Comments