Capena – between Borgo, Antiquity and Wine Tradition

Capena between Borgo, Antiquity and Wine Tradition

Capena lies along the Via Tiberina in the Tiber Valley, among vineyards and olive groves. The town combines an old Borgo with traces of Roman and early medieval history, regional festival traditions and the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve below Capena. This creates a destination whose special features can be discovered through its architecture, archaeology, religious celebrations, wine and excursions in the countryside.

Historic Buildings in the Old Borgo

The old Borgo of Capena is characterized by Roman paving stones, small squares, arches, wooden passageways and a town gate opened into the walls. In this historic setting stands the Torre dell'Orologio, a 16th-century building. Its window frames feature floral and animal motifs. The Torre also has a water clock: its mechanism was powered by the fountain below, while a bell on the roof indicated the hours.

The Torre dell'Orologio also houses the Museo Civico. It is dedicated to the history of the Borgo from the fall of the Roman Empire to the modern era. A Roman wall made of hewn stone blocks was used as a defensive system. The Renaissance portal of the Palazzo bears the year 1599.

Another highlight is the Chiesa di San Leone Magno. It preserves one of the very few early medieval iconostases that has survived intact in its original location. An iconostasis is an image screen that divides the church interior. The church also contains numerous frescoes; some fragments in the area of the apse date from approximately the year 1000.

Lucus Feroniae and the Ancient Past

The Archaeological Park of Lucus Feroniae is a testament to the ancient city of Capena, the capital of the Capenates. One of its defining areas is a rectangular forum surrounded by public buildings such as the basilica and the Temple of Salus Frugifera. The amphitheater could accommodate around 5,000 spectators and was used for public performances.

At the Antiquarium of Lucus Feroniae, you can see an extensive selection of archaeological finds dating from prehistory to the Archaic period. Together with the forum and amphitheater, this site provides access to different phases of the early history surrounding Capena.

Festivals with Religious and Regional Character

The Incontro di Santa Maria takes place in Capena every year on the night leading into August 14 and is considered one of the oldest surviving Christian celebrations in the region. During the festival, the images of the Madonna delle Grazie and S. Salvatore are carried on the shoulders by the Incollatori after a dangerous and spectacular run.

The Vendemmiale Capenate is an annual tradition held in Capena to celebrate the grape harvest. It takes place on the first Sunday of every October. The festival includes a parade of wine-themed floats. Young participants wear traditional costumes and offer grapes and wine to those attending.

Nature and Typical Sweet Treats

The Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve, located below Capena, offers numerous opportunities for various excursions in the countryside. Typical sweets from Capena include Pangiallo and Serpentone di Capena.

If you are looking for a hotel or other accommodation for a trip to Capena, you can base your choice on your preferred points of interest: the old Borgo and its buildings, Lucus Feroniae, the annual festivals or excursions in the nature reserve. Capena is therefore suitable as a destination for travelers who want to experience Italian history and local character not separately, but together in a diverse townscape.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

Pomezia, Olevano Romano, Torvaianica, Torrimpietra, Frattocchie, Santa Maria Di Galeria, Villanova and Castel San Pietro Romano

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