Sixty kilometres from Rome, the narrow winding streets of Gavignano lead up to its Baronial Palace.
This palace played a major role in the history of the community. It stands where there once was a military outpost, which was later fortified. Eventually a palace was constructed around a tower of the fortress. In 1198, the future Pope Innocent III was born here. He was the pope who approved the Rule of St. Frances and supported one of the most famous ‘crusades’ against heresies, that of the Albigesi.
The palace underwent many modifications and was abandoned for a period of time. It is now the venue for cultural events, conferences and rehearsals of theatre and musical performances; and will soon once again house the Museum of Rural Culture, momentarily housed elsewhere.
The feasts in August celebrate popular local specialities and attract a great deal of visitors. One is the maccheroni alla gavignanese, maccaruni in the local dialect, mentioned in documents as far back as the 16th century.
They are very thin egg noodles cooked in a copper pot over a fire, as per ancient domestic tradition. Once drained, they are turned out on a cutting board and seasoned with mutton sauce, pork sausage, lard, lots of pecorino and chicken giblets.
Fonte Meo is only a few kilometres away on foot. This water fountain dispenses crystal clear spring water. It is colourless, odourless, pleasant tasting and has excellent therapeutic qualities.
Distance from Rome: 64 km
Not to be missed: a stroll along the streets of Gavignano to get to the Baronial Palace. Also worth a visit: the Abbey of Rossilli