Surrounded by centuries-old chestnut and beech woods in the green valleys of the Lepini Mountains, Montelanico is a small village located 70 km from Rome, where winding alleyways open wide onto squares, jealous guardians of fountains and baroque churches.
Legend has it that the name “Montelanico” derives from a copious quantity of wool accumulated by a shepherd with the shearing of his flock, a “mountain of wool,” in fact. Certainly its origins date back to Ancient Rome, and are still evidenced by the remains of a city wall, fortified towers and city gates with round and pointed arches.
While taking in the inebriating scents and colours of the ancient paths winding up the Lepini mountains, trekking lovers will discover that in Montelanico, history and art go hand in hand with nature. Overlooking the Sacco river valley, the village of Montelanico welcomes you to its historic centre with a fountain in the square, the work of the early 20th-century artist from Ciociaria Ernesto Biondi, to accompany you on a pleasant walk between the Church of San Pietro Apostolo e del Buon Consiglio and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso.
Do not miss the Feast of the Madonna di Collemezzo on the first Sunday of August and discover the Chapel of the Madonna di Collemezzo amidst the centuries-old beech trees and chestnut forests on the Lepini mountains. On the third Sunday of October, the Chestnut Festival is celebrated in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.