Ponzano Romano was inhabited as early as the Etruscan era.
The Etruscans settled on the right bank of the Tiber and the Sabines on the opposite bank.
This small town in the Tevere Valley is 50 kilometres from Rome and also known as the place of birth of the famous painter Agostino Tassi, born here in 1886. He produced a host of works we can now see in Rome at Palazzo del Quirinale, Palazzo Lancellotti, the Paolina Chapel and Palazzo Doria Pamphilj.
The highlight of the environs is the Fosso dell’Acquaforte, a mineral water spring located amidst green fields through which you can hike and enjoy panoramic views.
The origins of the town are linked with the Tiber and its name probably derives from Pons Jani (the bridge of Janus) or from Gens Pontia, a Roman family who owned a villa in the area.
Steeped in history and art, Ponzano Romano is home to monuments dating as far back as 1300. Situated in the old part of the town, Palazzo Abbaziale was built for Cardinal Paluzzo Altieri in 1688 by converting a pre-existing stronghold. The town centre is also home to a church consecrated to the patron saint, Saint Nicholas of Bari (celebrated on 6 December). It houses works transferred from the Benedictine Monastery of Sant’Andrea in Flumine, where Saint Benedict of Sant’Andrea is said to have lived. Other works include a silver reliquary by Rainerius Teramnese and the 16th century triptych depicting the Blessed Salvatore delle Grazie.
Culinary specialities include fried artichokes, salamis and fried white pizza with stuffings. The local pasta dishes are “maltagliati” with pork jowl and pecorino, fettuccine or “fregnacce” with wild boar sauce or beef ragout. The traditional meat dishes are oxtail stew, tripe, offals, wild boar stew, skewered lamb.
The most significant town events are the Celebrations for the Nativity of Mary in September and the Festa della Zitella (festival of unwed young ladies) in December.