The ancient village of Capranica Prenestina, overlooking the Prenestini Mountains from an altitude of approximately 1,000 metres, boasts a typically medieval historic centre. Rich in history and art, the small town preserves noteworthy attractions, such as the Sanctuary of Mentorella in the hamlet of Guadagnolo.
The narrow alleys of Capranica Prenestina
Thanks to its artistic treasures and natural beauty, Capranica Prenestina was included in the list of the Most Beautiful Italian Villages in 2024.
The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena – comunecapranicaprenestina.it
The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, once a single nave church commissioned in 1500 by Giuliano Capranica, dominates the village from the highest point. In the second half of the nineteenth century, it was restored and expanded. Its imposing dome, known as “Il Cupolino”, was built by artists of the Bramante school.
“Il Leone” by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena – chiesadellamaddalena.it
The interiors of the dome preserves works attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti, such as, “Il Leone” .
Capranica Prenestina
The village owes its name to the Capranica Family, still remembered today in the Palazzo Capranica-Barberini. This extraordinary example the sixtieth-century architecture houses the Museo Civico Naturalistico dei Monti Prenestini, a reference point where to experience environmental education, science, nature, and the biodiversity of the Monti Prenestini. Guided tours of the exhibition and the educational garden in the municipal park are available. The museum is accessible to disabled.
The Sanctuary of Mentorella – Monte Guadagnolo
The small hamlet of Guadagnolo, on the top of a cliff marvellously overlooking the Giovenzano Valley at 1,218 metres above sea level, is the highest inhabited centre in Lazio. Here lies one of the oldest places of cult in Italy, the Sanctuary of Mentorella, dedicated to the Madonna, a famous pilgrimage destination.
The Sanctuary of Mentorella
“Questo è un luogo in cui in modo particolare l’uomo si apre di fronte a Dio. Lontano da tutto ma nello stesso tempo vicino alla natura. Sono venuto a cantare il Magnificat” (this is a place where man opens himself to God in a special way. Far from everything, yet at the same time close to nature. Here, it is where I will sing the Magnificat).
This is how Pope John Paul II, impressed by the atmosphere of the landscape and the Grotto of Saint Benedict, described the Sanctuary of Mentorella on his first trip out of Rome.
The centuries-old chestnut grove in Capranica Prenestina – photo by Libero Middei
The beauty of the village is enhanced by the impressive Monumento Naturale del Castagneto Prenestino, a fascinating chestnut grove. It hosts centuries-old monumental trees and ancient little houses, once used for drying Mosciarelle, the sweet, aromatic chestnuts typical of the area.
A view of the Prenestini Mountains – photo by comunecapranicaprenestina.it
Walking along the ridge from Capranica Prenestina to Monte Guadagnolo, it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Prenestini Mountains.
Among the local gastronomic specialities, worth tasting are the lane pelose, a pasta dish with bran and mutton sauce. Two most awaited events are celebrated in Capranica Prenestina are the Blackberry Festival in September and the Mosciarelle Festival in November.