Proceno amid tuff hills, history and the Via Francigena

Proceno amid tuff hills and river valleys

Proceno lies on a group of tuff hills. On one side lies the valley of the Paglia River, and on the other the green valley of the Torrente Stridolone. This landscape makes the town interesting for you if, while travelling in Italy, you want to combine historic sites with a clearly distinctive setting. The two valleys are just as much part of Proceno’s character as the elevated tuff hills on which the town stands.

Wide views and striking buildings

From Castello di Proceno, the highest point in Proceno, the view extends across landscapes in Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany. For finding your bearings locally, this spot is an impressive reference point where the region’s geographical position can be particularly well understood. The historic buildings also include the Rocca di Proceno: its main tower still contains the original, fully functional drawbridge.

Palazzo Sforza and churches from different eras

Palazzo Sforza was built in the mid-16th century at the initiative of Cardinal Guido Ascanio Sforza. The Museo della civiltà Contadina is located in the basement of Palazzo Sforza. This brings together, in a single building, the history of the palace’s construction and a museum dedicated to peasant life – an appropriate focus for anyone who wants to get to know Proceno not only through its landscape but also through its cultural heritage.

Several churches also take you through different historical periods. The Chiesa di San Martino was built in the 13th century. The Chiesa di Sant’Agnese has medieval origins. Santa Maria del Giglio contains interesting altars and decorations from the 16th century and later. If, while exploring the town, you pay attention to architectural history, sacred spaces and individual decorative details, Proceno offers several clearly distinct points of interest.

Hiking on the Via Francigena

For hikers on the northern Via Francigena, Proceno is the first village in Lazio after crossing the border from Tuscany. In addition, the Anello Stridolone leads to the ruins of the Chiesa della Pace and follows the Via Francigena for some sections. This allows you to combine different ways of travelling: the transregional pilgrimage route and a circular trail leading to a specific historic destination.

Aglio Rosso and local culinary culture

Another aspect of the town can be experienced at the Festival dell’Aglio Rosso di Proceno. The annual event takes place in Proceno’s historic centre and includes show cooking, tastings, culinary workshops and a market featuring local producers. Aglio Rosso di Proceno is recognised as both a PAT and a De.Co. product. If you would like to discover regional products and everyday culinary culture while travelling, this focus combines the local speciality with an established event centred in the town.

Proceno can therefore be viewed from several perspectives when planning your trip: as a town on tuff hills between two river valleys, as the setting for Palazzo Sforza, the Rocca and historic churches, as a stop on the northern Via Francigena and as a place to learn about Aglio Rosso di Proceno. Other places in the region include Punta Del Lago, Castiglione in Teverina, Capranica, Graffignano, San Martino Al Cimino, Vignanello, Cava and Corchiano.

For the broader travel overview: Viterbo.