At an altitude of about 200 metres, Civitella San Paolo is hidden by the surrounding hills, remaining visible only from the Sabine side, a typical characteristic of centres that had a strategic and defensive function in the Middle Ages.
For much of its history it was a property of the monks of San Paolo fuori le Mura, who reclaimed the area and built the main buildings there. Of particular interest is the abbey castle, which stands in a strategic position controlling the Tiber Valley. A system of walls, towers, turrets and bastions surrounded the settlement with defensive functions. In ancient times, access to the village was possible through Porta Capena or through the main entrance to the fortress equipped with a wooden drawbridge.
In additional to the castle and the village walls, the Church of San Lorenzo, the oldest in the village, is certainly worth a visit. First mentioned in a document from 1218, it stands on the remains of a Roman villa near the cemetery.
Among the interesting facts that characterise Civitella San Paolo, you should know that the library of the Monastery of St. Scholastica, which we recommend you visit given its proximity to the municipality, includes about 20,000 volumes, divided into several macro sections: biblical, liturgical, patristic, philosophical, historical, theological, spirituality, religious life, and monasticism.
Cacione is one of the typical products of Civitella San Paolo, a panzerotto stuffed with pumpkin pulp, dried fruit, cocoa, cinnamon and natural flavourings. Also prepared according to a recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation is the treccia, an aniseed-based savoury bread, with a characteristic braid shape, made with two rising cycles at room temperature.
Near Civitella di San Paolo is the Nazzano, Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve.