On a hill on the north-western slopes of the Volsini Mountains, we find Proceno, a medieval village with the Rocca, and its towers, from which you can enjoy a unique sight that goes from Monte Amiata and Radicofani, up to the Paglia Valley.
According to legend, the village was founded by Porsenna and was later invaded by various populations. It boasts many Renaissance buildings of great value, including Palazzo Sforza, dating back to the 16th century and built at the behest of Cardinal Guido Ascanio Sforza, Camerlengo della Santa Romana Chiesa and Governor of Proceno.
For the visitor, the most interesting buildings are the Church of San Martino, built in the 13th century, which houses important works from different eras, and the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, on whose portal a coat of arms is carved depicting the symbols of the town: the wild boar and the keys of the Papal State.
The Via Francigena, which connected Canterbury to Rome, begins from the Castle of Proceno.
Of medieval foundation we find the Church of Sant’Agnese and the one of Santa Maria del Giglio with interesting altars and decorations from the 16th century onwards.
The historic centre preserves numerous ruined medieval and Renaissance buildings including the Palazzo Sforza, currently used for exhibitions and conferences.
Here is the Museum of Rural Civilization, born in the 1980s and housed in four large rooms of Palazzo Sforza.
The exhibition includes around two thousand household objects and work tools relating to pre-industrial civilisation, in the period between the 16th and 20th centuries.
Furthermore, in 1625 Galileo Galilei lived there, traveling to Rome to be judged by the Holy Office.
The typical product is PAT and De.Co. red garlic, unique for its red segments, the preservation of flavour for up to a year and the spicy aftertaste. We can also taste Alto Viterbo PGI potatoes, to be used as a side dish or to make gnocchi, Tuscia DOP extra virgin olive oil and Colli Etruschi Viterbesi or Tuscia DOC wine. As a dessert, try the San’Antonio PAT biscuit, a sweet braid-shaped bread.