70 kilometres away from Rome, in the Tuscia area, Vallerano is surrounded by ancient medieval walls and hosts small squares and stone steps. The hilltop village rests on the southern slope of the Cimini Mountains.
The origins are very ancient, the first traces of settlement date back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the numerous finds in the Poggio Castello area.
The landscape is green, with woods, vineyards, chestnut and hazelnut groves.
The splendid Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Ruscello, dating back to the early 17th century, preserves the Madonna Assunta in Cielo by Giovanni Lanfranco and the Ecstasy of San Carlo Borromeo by Pomarancio.
The Church of the Crucifix is another architectural jewel. Located just outside Vallerano, it houses an ancient crucifix and, every year, it is the destination of an important pilgrimage.
The historic centre is very interesting, with the Church of Sant’Andrea, built in 1512 and the Church of San Vittore Martire in Romanesque style with a coffered ceiling. The Church of Maria SS. of the 12th century preserves traces of wall paintings inside.
The village is involved in the “Distretto/Creativo” Cultural Workshop project, which includes entertainment, music and theatre activities, training and vision teaching sessions, meetings in schools, festivals, and exhibitions.
Among the gastronomic specialities we find the ricotta and chestnut little boats.The delicious fruit has obtained the brand due to its characteristics, as well as the excellent Tuscia DOP extra virgin olive oil.
Also tasty are the hazelnuts, a high-quality product coming from local hazelnut groves, and the porchetta, to which a festival is dedicated in July.