Faleria is perched on a tuff spur overlooking the two ravines, where the Treja and Mola Rivers flow.
Faleria and the Anguillara Castle – IG photo by @miziopen
The Anguillara Castle, which dominates the centre of the old town, is the most important attraction in Faleria, and one of the most impressive fortresses in the Tuscia Viterbese area. The prominent noble Family of the Anguillara built the original castle towards the end of the thirteenth century and renovated the entire village in the sixteenth century. At first, they enriched the residence with a courtyard and a loggia, and later significant modifications were carried on.
The Church of San Giuliano
The medieval Church of San Giuliano Ospitaliere along with its original bell tower, which stands on a high flight of steps near the castle, was also modified and embellished with interior paintings. A recent restoration has brought to light an important fresco depicting the life of San Giuliano, the patron saint of Faleria. The saint is portrayed with the town of Faleria on the background, as it probably was around the fifteenth century, with the Church of San Giuliano and the Anguillara Castle, with its crenelated towers. Behind the village, amidst woods and countryside, another castle is visible, most likely Castel Paterno.
The imposing ruins of Castel Paterno emerge from a tuff plateau, half-hidden by vegetation, as evidence of the Tuscia defence system. The castle in fact, located a short distance from Via Flaminia, controlled access to Rome. The imposing gate that led to the castle is still well preserved.
The Tower of Fogliano – Photo comune.faleria.vt.it
Lovers of mystery and ancient abandoned villages will appreciate the remains of the old Castel Fogliano, located within the Fogliano Forest, between the Banditaccia and the Mola streams, not far from the Treja River. The ruins include the tower, the church, and cave walls and dwellings, strikingly emerging from the vegetation and the tuff cliffs.
The Hermitage of San Famiano – Photo comune.faleria.vt.it
Past the ruins, the itinerary descends to the Mola Stream, and then follows a path leading to the Hermitage of San Famiano, another treasure hidden within the forest, much loved by the tourists.
Just outside the old town, stands the fascinating Church of the Madonna Pietrafitta. It is said that the English poet Lord Byron was enchanted by the beauty of Faleria and the majesty of Mount Soratte, which looms over the surrounding areas.
San Giuliano, patron saint of Faleria – Photo comune.faleria.vt.it
The most characteristic celebrations in town are the Feast of San Giuliano, celebrated in May and the Festa della Frustica, a famous local folk-music band, held in July.