Located between the gorges of two streams, crossed by the arches of the Claudio Aqueduct, Gallicano nel Lazio lies at the top of a tuffaceous terrace, at the end of a winding road; it is about 35 km from Rome.
It has very old origins, and there are many archaeological testimonies scattered in the area. The foundation is traditionally attributed to the consul Gallicano, who was martyred in the 4th century A.D., although a curious popular story has it that the town, attacked by a handful of soldiers, was saved by the crowing of a rooster, in homage to which the village took the name ‘Gallicano’.
The town is very scenic, with its series of alleys that comb along the main street, bordered by the two gates, Maggiore and San Salvatore, and is part of the itinerary of the Roman Aqueducts Anio Vetus and Novus, Aqua Marcia and Aqua Claudia, which crosses valleys carved into the tuff and monumental Roman bridges.
Don’t miss the Passerano Castle with its angular towers and fortified entrance dating back to the 10th century, dominating the surrounding countryside in a fairytale setting. Also worth visiting are the Madonna delle Grazie Monastery, the Church of Sant’Andrea, the Church of San Rocco and the Mother of God Church.
The local products are all to be tasted; you will be spoilt for choice from fettuccine with mushrooms, tagliata with artichokes, pasta cacio e pepe and all the typical Roman dishes, such as panzerotti alla romana, fried with ham and cheese. The area produces Roma DOC wine, which boasts three thousand years of documented tradition, and Zagarolo DOC wine.
Near Gallicano you can walk the wonderful Via Francigena del Sud or visit the Madonna delle Grazie Monastery. If you love festivals, we recommend two: the Sagra del Ciambellone in January and the Festa Sant’Andrea in November.