Vitorchiano between Frescoes, Rock and Cavatello

Vitorchiano between Quarter and Landscape

In Vitorchiano’s medieval quarter, you can stroll among battlements, 14th-century towers and distinctive external staircases. The battlements, towers and staircases form the architectural elements of the historic town area. The towers draw the eye upwards, while the external staircases accompany the route at the level of the stone façades.

Frescoes and a Clock in the Historic Townscape

The Chiesa della Madonna di San Nicola is almost completely decorated with frescoes from the 16th to the 18th century on its walls, in the presbytery and in the apsidal calotte.

The Torre dell’Orologio is approximately 16 metres high and received its public clock in 1471. The 1471 clock therefore predates the frescoes from the 16th to the 18th century.

Tradition and a Peperino Motif

Vitorchiano’s historical traditions include the “Fedeli di Vitorchiano”. At official ceremonies in Rome, they wear historical clothing. The geographical connection of this tradition therefore extends from Vitorchiano to Rome.

The Moai di Vitorchiano is an approximately six-metre-high peperino statue and a faithful reproduction of the anthropomorphic monoliths of Easter Island. It stands at Largo Padre Ettore Salimbeni next to the municipal motorhome parking area. The reproduction refers to Easter Island, while the Moai itself stands in Vitorchiano.

Corviano and Selva di Malano

The Corviano natural monument includes rock dwellings near a deep gorge. The rock dwellings are accessed via stairs carved into the stone; their location in the rocky landscape should be taken into account when planning the timing of a specific visit.

Selva di Malano lies between the plateaus of Montecasoli and Corviano. It contains the Sasso del Predicatore, a rock formation with steps carved into the stone. It also lies between the municipalities of Vitorchiano, Bomarzo and Soriano and preserves rock sites from settlements dating from the Etruscan-Roman and early medieval periods. The Etruscan-Roman period predates the early medieval period. For those interested in culture, the rock formation of the Sasso del Predicatore and the rock sites from both settlement phases can be found in the same Selva di Malano.

Peonies and Cavatello

At the Centro Botanico Moutan, you can stroll through the spring peony bloom and experience its colours, fragrances and garden landscapes. Anyone wishing to experience the peony bloom there should plan their visit for spring.

At the Sagra del Cavatello, Cavatello Vitorchianese is presented. It is handmade pasta that has been recognised since 2017 as a traditional agri-food product of Lazio. The place name thus remains part of the dish’s designation.

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To the overarching travel overview: Viterbo.