Arsoli is an open-air museum nestled in the Simbruini Mountains, described by Luigi Pirandello as the Little Paris, due to its urban plan and architectural beauty.
In ancient times, its territory belonged to the Aequi and then to the Romans, as testified by the remains of a villa from the 2nd-century BC outside the village and the stone marking the 38th mile of the Via Valeria. Arsoli was known for its intense social and economic life, thanks to business activities established after the plague of 1656, such as textile and brick factories and olive presses.
But the jewel of the village is Castello Massimo, a three-story castle overlooking the rock. Its stunning interiors preserve late 16th century frescoes commissioned by the Zuccari, and later, in the 18th century, by the Benefial Family.
The Castle of Arsoli – www.visitarsoli.it
The castle also hosts a collection of weapons, the Room of the Throne, and the Chapel of San Filippo Neri, which preserves part of its Cosmatesque façade. The basement houses an ancient oven, food and oil storage rooms, and the prison. In addition, the complex, surrounded by lush woodland, boasts a beautiful Italian-style hanging garden.
Castello Massimo also houses the Museo delle Tradizioni Musicali, which displays numerous documents belonged to the Arsoli Music Band, dating back as far as the 1700s. The museum consists of a long, single space divided into four sections: pastoral instruments, artisan instruments, sacred and devotional music, and band tradition.
Villa Morani – retedimorestorichelazio.it
Villa Morani, one of the Historic Residences in Lazio, was built near the station around 1880 and purchased in 1902 by the painter Alessandro Morani and his wife Lili Helbig. From a window in the artist’s studio, it is possible to admire the bucolic panorama he depicted in his works. The Villa has welcomed prestigious figures, such as D’Annunzio and Pascarella, as well as members of “In Arte Libertas”, an association in opposition to the official Roman art of the time.
Other attractions in Arsoli are the 1680 Chiesa del Salvatore, designed by Giacomo della Porta, Palazzo San Bartolomeo, and the adjoining Baroque church.
The fried pizza
Not to be missed among the recipes are the tisichelle, the ciammellette de magru, and the ciammellette della Fratellanza, as well as the fried pizza, a sweet or savoury fritter made with unleavened dough. This speciality is celebrated at the end of April with a dedicated festival. Many other interesting activities are also organized in the same period, such as walks in the nature, arts and crafts markets, and free guided tours of the village.
The Palio dell’Amico – www.visitarsoli.it
In early September, a festival celebrating another typical product, the Fagiolina, takes place. Not to be missed is also the Palio dell’Amico, a competition among the archers from the four historic districts of Arsoli, where history, tradition, and cuisine come together in a single two-day event in late June. During the Convivio dei Borghi, local dishes are served, while music and acrobatic performances are held through the streets, recalling the magical atmosphere of the lord’s court.