The charming village of Corchiano inspired the outstanding singer of popular music Gabriella Ferri in the last years of her life. Its alleys and squares overlook the Forra del Rio Fratta, a natural monument unique in Europe, where a suggestive Living Nativity Scene is set every Christmas.
Forre del Rio Fratta in Corchiano
The 250-hectare Natural Monument and WWF Oasis of Pian Sant’Angelo includes the Forre di Corchiano, a volcanic canyon typical of the Tuscia area, originated by eruptions followed by a long glaciation period. Natural beauties and remnants of the past alternate, immersed in a wild greenery, among the high tuff walls flanking the Rio Fratta River.
Corchiano and the Forre del Rio Fratta
Here, prehistoric caves, Faliscan tombs and hollowed paths, and waterfalls create a breathtaking scenery. The ravine preserves several Roman remains and a stretch of the Via Amerina, the ancient road connecting Veio and Ameria, today’s Amelia. As witnessed by the many finds, the settlement of Corchiano already existed in the Stone Age, developing as a village around 1100. Numerous Faliscan and Etruscan tombs and necropolises were discovered in the surrounding area. Still in use are the Canti Fescennini, satirical compositions sung during harvest festivals, later prohibited by the Romans.
Living Nativity Scene in Corchiano – photo by Comune di Corchiano
The Living Nativity Scene is staged in the beautiful setting of the Forre del Rio Fratta from December 25 to January 6.
Living Nativity Scene in Corchiano – photo by Comune di Corchiano
Organized by the Pro Loco of Corchiano, the Living Nativity Scene is an open-air theatrical show which has been performed by the locals for over fifty years. Noteworthy are the scenography and special effects, the soundtrack by Nicola Piovani and the narration by the illustrious actor and comedian Gigi Proietti.
Not to be missed is the “Galleria delle Arti Gabriella Ferri” dedicated to the famous against-the-grain singer, the symbol of Romanness. The Gallery, inaugurated in 2015 behind the “Teatro Fescennino” in the “Parco Naturale delle Forre”, regularly hosts cultural events and displays the artist’s stage costumes, photographs, paintings, writings, poems and personal items.
Corchiano
Also worth a visit is the impressive Basilica of San Biagio, which preserves votive frescoes painted by Lorenzo da Viterbo around 1468. Equally important is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, whose construction began in 1500. It boasts the gorgeous Cappella del Paradiso, as well as valuable paintings by Lorenzo, Bartolomeo and Alessandro Torresani. Finally, we can admire the Church of Sant’Egidio, with frescoes attributed to the Torresani, and the rough stone Baroque Church of the Madonna delle Grazie, housing a fresco of the Madonna.
The highlights of Corchiano are hazelnuts and chestnuts, the main ingredients of the ciambelle and the tozzetti biscuits, to be accompanied by the Colli Cimini IGT and Vignanello DOC wines.