Vallerano: Churches, Chestnut Groves and Tuscia Viterbese

Vallerano lies on a hill between the Monti Cimini and overlooks Tuscia Viterbese. The landscape around the town includes forests, vineyards, centuries-old chestnut groves and hazelnut groves.

Churches with a history of their own

The Chiesa di San Vittore Martire stands at the central and highest point of Vallerano. Its ceiling served as the model for the ceiling of the Sala del Mappamondo in the Palazzo Venezia in Rome. This connection makes San Vittore particularly interesting for visitors who view architecture not merely as a backdrop to a place, but also in terms of its specific art-historical connections.

At the Santuario di Maria SS.ma del Ruscello, the origins date back to 1604. The floor plan, elevations, façade and some ornamental details are based on designs by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. The Santuario also houses a monumental Baroque organ with elaborate carvings. These three features lead from history through architecture to music.

The Chiesa della Pieve lies a few hundred metres from Vallerano and about 100 metres from the Vallerano–Canepina–Viterbo provincial road. Its architectural style suggests that its origins date back to around the year 1000. In terms of its origins, the Chiesa della Pieve predates the Santuario: the Pieve is thought to date from around the year 1000, while the Santuario dates back to 1604. The approximate dating and specific location add a much earlier historical perspective to the Santuario's timeframe.

Getting around and finding your way locally

The Borgo Medievale can be reached on foot or with wheeled mobility aids via a paved road. The Chiesa della Pieve can likewise be reached on foot or with wheeled mobility aids via a paved road. For wheeled mobility aids, a paved road leads to the destination both at the Chiesa della Pieve and at the Borgo Medievale.

The Chiesa del Crocefisso focuses on a religious event: it was elevated to the status of a sanctuary after repeatedly reported miracles. The site thus complements the architectural and historical aspects of San Vittore, the Santuario di Maria SS.ma del Ruscello and the Chiesa della Pieve with its own tradition.

Chestnut festival and regional landscape

The Festa della Castagna di Vallerano takes place every year on weekends from October through 1 November. During the Festa, visitors can eat typical dishes in historic cellars carved into tuff stone; the cellars are run by local associations.

Guided tours and excursions are also offered during the Festa della Castagna di Vallerano. On certain days, these may also include walks through centuries-old chestnut groves. On individual days, these possible walks lead through the chestnut landscape around Vallerano.

More places to consider

For more travel ideas, you can also consider Calcata Vecchia, Arlena Di Castro, Farnese, Pescia Romana, Capodimonte, Fastello, Corchiano and Vetralla.

For the higher-level travel overview: Viterbo.