Nestled in the Lepini Mountains, Artena is a cascade of roofs and houses overlooking the rocks, where small alleys and stone ramps, flanked by buildings with big wooden doors, wind throughout the village.
The heart of the ancient burg, the largest pedestrian area in Europe, is only accessible on foot or on the back of a mule. During the ten days of the “Palio delle Contrade”, held at the beginning of August, ten districts challenge each other with dialectal poems and songs, and also compete in the tug of war and donkey races. Other important events are the wheat harvest and the historical parade with nobles, villagers and animals (mules, donkeys, horses and oxen). 
Due to its beauty and authenticity, Artena is also an open-air movie set appreciated by several directors, such as Franco Zeffirelli, who filmed here a few memorable scenes of his “Romeo e Giulietta”. The famous actress Claudia Cardinale chose to live in Artena after falling in love with the place during the shooting of the film “Il prefetto di ferro” (The Iron Prefect) from 1977 by Pasquale Squitieri.
Artena, Città Presepe – Facebook photo @artenacittapresepe
During the Christmas holidays, the view of the valley under the village at night is a unique spectacle. From December 8, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the curtain rises on “Artena Città Presepe”, an initiative including a Christmas market, open wineries and tastings of local culinary delights.
The Nocchiata Artenese Christmas dessert
During the Christmas Season, the Nocchiata Artenese is prepared, a hazelnut brittle crunch with honey wrapped in bay leaves of unmistakable aroma.
Other renowned local dishes are Gnocchi longhi (elongated dumplings), sagna a patacca (pasta and bean soup), frascategli (pasta), baccalà ‘nguazzetto (cod in stew) and the traditional Artenese bread.
Aimed at anyone who wants to exhibit their work, the nativity scene competition “Artena, Città Natale” belongs to the Tourist Route “L’arte del Presepe nei Borghi”, together with the exhibitions of Albano Laziale, Carpineto Romano, Cave, Palestrina and Valmontone.
Artena, Città Presepe – Christmas Express – Facebook photo @artenacittapresepe
In addition, the Christmas Express Train will transport the visitors through the festive alleys of the medieval burg. Not to be missed is the exhibition of Historical Clothes in the suggestive Palazzo del Governatore, curated by the “Ente Palio”. On display, hand-sewn clothes from the historical parade reenacting the visit of Pope Paolo V to the fiefdom of Montefortino in 1615.
Also worth a visit is the Granaio Borghese in the Museo Archeologico Roger Lambrechts in the heart of the village, the huge barn where, between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, all the farmers brought their grain.
The Church of Santa Croce dominating the village of Artena
The main place of worship is the Church of Santa Croce, with its two peculiar bell towers, located at the top of the village. Finally, a visit to the Museo del Rugby – Fango e Sudore cannot be missed by enthusiasts, who will be able to admire memorabilia and objects related to the sport of rugby.