Rocca Canterano, perched on a rocky ridge of the Ruffi Mountains, dominates the entire Aniene Valley from a height of 750 metres above sea level.
Rocca Canterano dominating the Aniene Valley – Photo by roccacanterano.com
The village, one of the smallest in the province of Rome, boasts very ancient origins and preserves the remains of medieval walls, a few Roman epigraphs in the Town Hall, and ancient manuscripts and paintings inside the Church of San Mauro, the town’s patron saint.
In the heart of the village – Photo by roccacanterano.com
Climbing up from the valley through a maze of narrow streets and stairways, it is possible to visit several noteworthy sites, such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built on the remains of the holiday residences of Roman patrician families
Palazzo Moretti – Photo by roccacanterano.com
Along our exciting itinerary, worth a visit is also Palazzo Moretti, built on the ruins of an ancient fortress dating back to 1084.
One of the sculptures in the Stone Garden – Photo by roccacanterano.com
Climbing the numerous steps, we come across the Stone Garden, enriched with extraordinary sculptures by Leonetta Marcotulli, and then Piazza del Forno, where once the women from the village brought their bread to be backed in the common furnace. Not to be missed are, finally, the ruins of the Church of San Michele on the top of Mount Costasole (1,253 metres), the highest peak of the Ruffi Mountains.
Piazza del Forno – Photo by roccacanterano.com
In addition to its touristic attractions, Rocca Canterano also offers several opportunities for families and nature lovers, such as a visit to the Prato del Merro, a vast green plain equipped with tables and benches around a large fountain. From here, we can hike until La Retommella, where a large watering hole lies.
Climbing the cliffs – Photo by roccacanterano.com
The cliffs of Rocca Canterano are perfect for climbing lovers, thanks to the favourable type of rock and the variety of routes. The small beautiful hamlet of Rocca di Mezzo owes its name to its unique location between Rocca Canterano and Rocca Martino. it preserves the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, reopened to the public after the restoration works following the earthquake of 2000.
The Sagra della Rola – Festa del Cornuto – Photo by FB Proloco Rocca Canterano
A most awaited event in Rocca Canterano is the Sagra della Rola – Festa del Cornuto, held on the weekend before November 11, the Day of Saint Martin, the protector of the cornuti. The term, referred to the Lombard warriors who wore horned helmets, has been used over time to define those men cheated by their wives. During the festival, the town comes alive with stands offering traditional products, such as the Rola (chestnuts roasted on a giant grill called rostera), the cecamariti (fresh handmade pasta), arrosticini, and new wine. The joyful celebrations proceed with shows and a parade of figures wearing horns.