Its name derives from the Saracens, who settled here during their invasion of the Italian coast.
Only a few kilometres from Rome, Saracinesco, with its medieval centre, is definitely worth a visit.
The highlights are a valuable 14th century wooden statue of the Virgin with Child housed in the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the ruins of the castle once property of the Orsini.
Its natural environment is defined by the Monti Ruffi, which lend a special charm to the environs. The view from the summit of the Castasole Mountain is truly breathtaking. From the Benedictine Fortress bearing the inscription “Carpe Diem”, you can make your way down to the small Piazza Ferraris and from here take a trail to explore the surrounding mountains.
Taking a walk through the ruins of the Roman Aqueduct Anio Novus, which sourced its waters from the upper Aniene Valley, is like stepping back in time.
The same can be said of visiting the Museum of Time, so distinctive of Saracinesco. It is an open-air museum where the most extraordinary sundials can be seen. To mention only a few: the Globo di Matelica (a spherical sundial), the Analemmatic Dial, the Lambert dial and many other kinds of sundials: equatorial, horizontal, vertical and declining. All can be seen while strolling along the streets of Saracinesco.
And after so much walking you will surely be hungry. Recommended local dishes are home-made pastas with truffles or beans and polenta with snails.