Vallepietra is about 100 km from Rome. Situated in the heart of the Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park, it is surrounded by high mountains covered with dense forests.
The most significant feature of the area is the abundance of water: indeed seven streams gush from sources in the hilly arc of the valley, supplying water to numerous local towns, making this is the most extensive spring basin in Europe.
There are various theories as to the origin of this little town.
The first attributes the foundation of Vallepietra to fugitives from the Roman Campagna, where a long bloody war between the Goth and Byzantine forces was played out in the 6th century.
The second claims that the town’s origin is owed to slaves engaged in the building of Nero’s Villa in Subiaco, who sought refuge among the inaccessible parts of the high valley.
Since 1061 the history of Vallepietra has been closely linked with that of the town of Anagni and of various local noble families.
The most important sight in Vallepietra is the Sanctuary of the Santissima Trinità, probably a Neolithic rock-built settlement and place of ancient public worship, then linked with the Benedictine congregations of Subiaco and still a destination today for pilgrimages of entire communities, often made on foot.
The Sanctuary, which is part of a hermitage, is open from 1 May until 30 October.
Among traditional products one might mention the cultivation of oval white beans of Vallepietra, known as ciavattoni.
For further information: Comune di Vallepietra