Filacciano is a mediaeval village that still preserves traces of its Roman origins. The name seems to derive from Faliscanum or Faliscianum, the Falisci population settled in the area. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley, it was part of a sighting system with the Abbey of Farfa, and protection for men and animals coming from Sabina, across the river.
Structured along a single road axis, Via Filocastello, from the gate under Palazzo del Drago to the gate towards the Tiber, it has remained unaltered in its appearance and charm, of yesteryear. In the 17th century, the borgo stretched westwards, still along a single axis, and the Palazzo with its access cordon became a hinge between new and old.
Once you reach this wonderful hamlet, we recommend a walk along the aforementioned Via Filocastello, from the majestic Palazzo Del Drago, the castle and gateway to the hamlet with its ancient tower, pay a visit to the Church of Sant’Egidio, with its delightful view of the Tiber Valley and the Sabine area, very close by: the small church has painted walls and the apse has a beautiful 13th-century fresco cycle, well preserved, with the Madonna on the Throne, Saints and Blessing Christ.
On the tower of the Palazzo del Drago, a male and a female nude figure, with ancient parts reused, dominate the view: they are the madmen. It seems that one cannot pass under their gaze, on pain of insanity.
In addition to the typical Roman cuisine, gnocchi with sauce, homemade fettuccine with ‘stennarello’, fava beans with pecorino cheese, sausage and broccoli, the acquacotta, from the Viterbo cuisine, is excellent. The local extra virgin olive oil is also excellent.
Throughout the year there are several events on the calendar, here they are! The fava and pecorino cheese festival in May, the fettuccine festival in August, and finally the Sant’Egidio Festival in September.