Vetralla (VT) it is located about 86 km from Rome. Inhabited by the Etruscans and the Romans, it was invaded and looted numerous times, like other centres, because of its proximity to the Via Cassia.
In fact, the numerous artefacts found in its immediate vicinity, suggest that ancient Vetralla was originally a Villanovan Pagus.
In the Roman period the centre was progressively abandoned in favour of the neighbouring Forum Cassii. Close to the Middle Ages, imposing walls were built to protect the town.
These huge walls did not frighten powerful Viterbo however, and it aspired to seize a vast expanse of woodland, donated to Vetralla by Innocent III in 1206.
Viterbo was defeated, however, and made subject to the Orsini, the Di Vico, the Anguillara and the Farnese families.
The village has the Castle, whose construction is attributed to the Di Vico family. The son Giacomo was captured and beheaded in Soriano; his sarcophagus is still preserved in the Church of San Francesco.
Between one feudal lord and another, for some years Vetralla was subject to the Apostolic Camera, but the subjection to the Papal States was not particularly easy due to numerous controversies.
Among the buildings of worship of historical and artistic interest are the
Romanesque Church of San Francesco (11th century), built on the remains of a previous construction, and the Cathedral in classical style.
For more information: Comune di Vetralla