Otricoli – Ancient History, Sacred Art and Nature

Between Ocriculum and the Tiber

Otricoli combines ancient urban history, sacred art and a landscape shaped by the Tiber. If you would first like to gain a cultural overview, the archaeological collection at the Antiquarium Comunale di Otricoli provides an introduction to visiting the archaeological park of the Roman city. The Antiquarium is located in the Palazzo Priorale. Of particular note is the only cast of the colossal head known as the Jupiter of Otricoli.

Archaeology and Sacred Art

The Archaeological Park of Ocriculum covers 36 hectares. To the east of the park, along the SS3 Flaminia, lies a pre-Roman necropolis dating from the 7th century BC. The Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta also brings together several historical periods: it is an important example of 7th-century pre-Romanesque architecture and houses archaeological materials recovered during excavations in the ancient city of Ocriculum.

During recent restoration work in the Chiesa di San Salvatore, a rare 14th-century fresco from the Umbrian school was uncovered. The same church contains votive frescoes, including three depictions of the Madonna del Latte. The Rocca trecentesca, a 14th-century fortress, has also been preserved in Otricoli’s historic centre. Further historical evidence can be found in Castel di Poggio di Otricoli: the Castello del Poggio is first mentioned in a document from 1237, while the Chiesa di San Nicola dates from the late 15th or early 16th century.

Landscape and Paths

The Tiber is the dominant natural feature of Otricoli’s landscape. Along the western edge of the municipal area, it runs beside the site of the ancient Roman city of Ocriculum. For those interested in nature, Bosco Vallefredda offers an approximately 850-metre-long equipped woodland trail with eight information panels on nature, flora and woodland life. A marked network of paths leads through holm oak, pine and strawberry tree forests to the summit of Monte San Pancrazio at an elevation of 1,027 m.

Events and Local Traditions

Ocriculum AD 168 is a three-day historical reenactment event held on the last weekend of May. Visitors can take part in themed guided tours led by guides in historical costumes. Speaking as ancient figures from the city, the guides recount stories from their lives. Vinotricolando offers a different focus: this three-day event, usually held in August, is dedicated to the culinary traditions of Otricoli.

These traditions include fallone, a focaccia made with oil, rosemary and coarse salt. It is baked at events such as Vinotricolando. In general, the Giornate medievali take place on the third weekend of July, bringing the colours, sounds and flavours of the Middle Ages back to life. In Otricoli, ancient history, medieval local history, sacred visual art, woodland landscapes and regional cuisine can thus be encountered in many different forms.

Other Destinations Nearby

For further orientation, you can also explore Schifanoia, Macchie, Acquasparta, Borgaria, Melezzole, Pornello, Casigliano and Attigliano.

For the higher-level travel overview: Terni.