A holiday destination already in ancient Roman times, Velletri is a town rich in history and tradition, which, in addition to tourist itineraries, also offers plenty of relax opportunities.
Velletri, nestled among vineyards and olive groves
The town, located on a panoramic position at the southern end of Colli Albani, is a renowned historic winemaking centre, thanks to the wide variety of wines from the surrounding vineyards.
Velletri boasts elegant churches and palaces, as well as the beautiful Piazza Cairoli, dominated by the imposing façade of the Church of Santa Maria del Trivio, flanked by a fifty-metre-high Lombard Gothic tower.
Nearby lies the Orto del Pellegrino, a small medicinal and aromatic herbs garden, once cultivated by the monks who used to treat the pilgrims who arrived here along the Via Francigena. Also noteworthy are the Church of Santa Lucia, the Church of the Santissimo Salvatore, and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, with the Oratory of Santa Maria del Sangue.
Palazzo-del-municipio-di-Velletri Ph @comune.velletri.rm.it
Among the elegant buildings in the historic centre, worth mentioning are the Palazzo del Delegato Apostolico and the Town Hall in Piazza Ottaviano Augusto, for which the architect Vignola adopted the same patterns of Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola.
Other interesting monuments are the Baroque Monumental Fountain in Piazza Mazzini and the main church of Velletri, the Basilica of San Clemente, also known for the procession of the Madonna delle Grazie, held since 1613 on the first Sunday of May.
The “Sarcofago delle fatiche di Ercole” in the Museo Archeologico di Velletri Ph@comune.velletri.rm.it
The Museo Archeologico di Velletri preserves valuable ancient Roman artworks, such as the “Sarcofago delle fatiche di Ercole”, or Sarcophagus of Velletri.
Porta Napoletana in Velletri
Porta Romana, from where a road once led to Terracina and Naples, is flanked by two massive towers with a circular base and battlements on the top.
Ugo Tognazzi’s Casa Vecchia – Facebook @casamuseougotognazzi
The great unforgettable actor Ugo Tognazzi used to spend his holidays with his family, friends, and colleagues in his “Casa Vecchia” in Velletri. Today, the residence is a museum house which can be visited by appointment (amicidiugotognazzi@gmail.com).
The Wine and Grape Festival in Velletri
Among the most traditional events, not to be missed are the Grape and Wine Festival in September, the Camellia Festival in March, with exhibitions and handcraft markets, and the event dedicated to the Carciofo alla Matticella in April.
The Roman artichokes are cooked on the grill with vine branches according to an ancient technique and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and pennyroyal mint.