The municipality of Carbognano lies at the foot of the Cimini mountains, in the enchanting setting of the Lake Vico Regional Nature Reserve, amidst thick, centuries-old chestnut and hazelnut groves, ideal for hiking and trekking.
The origin of the name Carbognano is uncertain. In the past, the village was also called Corvignanum or Carmignano, as can be deduced from a Bull of Eugene IV of 1443. Its artistic and cultural heritage consists of numerous churches and the majestic Farnese Castle, residence of Giulia ‘la Bella’, sister of Pope Paul III. Under the leadership of Giulia Farnese, Carbognano benefited from many urban and architectural improvements, such as the 16th-century Church of Santa Maria and the late Renaissance Baronial Palace.
A visit to the basilica of San Filippo Neri from 1636, the first church in the world to honour the saint, is not to be missed. Also of interest are the Church of San Pietro, built from 1780 on the remains of a pre-existing building, and the Church of the Madonna della Valle with 16th-century frescoes by Pastura.
Try the ‘gavinelle’, a rustic first course of Carbognano’s popular cuisine similar to fettuccine. According to the traditional recipe, the ingredients are just water and flour. The typical sauce is made with game or porcini mushrooms.
On 26 May, the two co-patrons, Sant’Eutizio da Ferento and San Filippo Neri, are celebrated, while between May and June, don’t miss the Infiorata del Corpus Domini (Corpus Christi Flower Festival) and in July the Feast of Sant’Anna.