Capranica Prenestina: a jewel at altitude among the Prenestini Mountains

Located at about 900–1000 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Prenestini Mountains, Capranica Prenestina is one of the highest villages in Lazio and an elegant treasure chest of history, art, and natural beauty. Nestled among unspoiled landscapes and ancient traditions, it was included among The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy in 2024.

The name Capranica has uncertain origins, but it may derive from “Campanica,” a term referring to people from the countryside who took refuge in the mountains in the 12th century to escape raids. This rural population, particularly devoted to goat herding, may have led to the transformation of the name into Capranica. The first written reference dates back to a papal bull of 1300 by Boniface VIII. The Capranica family appears in documents from the 15th century: according to some sources, their original surname was Pantagati, later replaced with that of the village. The most illustrious member was Cardinal Domenico Capranica, appointed in 1426 by Pope Martin V. A central figure in 15th-century Rome, he lived in the capital during the Jubilee of 1450 and promoted the construction of his residence in today’s Piazza Capranica, near the Pantheon. In 1456, shortly before his death, he founded the Almo Collegio Capranica, an institution that still exists today.

What to see in Capranica Prenestina

At the top of Capranica Prenestina stands the parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena, built in 1520. Thanks to the Capranica family’s ties with the papal court, the village was endowed with a building of architectural value. Its dome is the most distinctive element, adorned with a loggia of seven arches recalling Bramante-style motifs. Inside, there is a holy water stoup in the shape of a lion holding a coat of arms, attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti.

In the historic center stands Palazzo Barberini, built on a 16th-century structure and restored in the 18th century. Today it houses the Town Hall and the Museo Civico Naturalistico dei Monti Prenestini, a center active for over 20 years in biodiversity conservation and environmental education. Its digital exhibitions illustrate local fauna and habitats.

Not far from the village, near Guadagnolo, rises the Sanctuary of the Mentorella, considered one of the oldest Marian shrines in Europe. Tradition links it to the vision of the martyr Saint Eustace and traces its foundation back to the time of Pope Sylvester. Located in a panoramic position on the Monti Caprini, it is today run by the Polish Resurrectionist Fathers and was a frequent destination of Pope John Paul II.

Events and culture

Capranica Prenestina and Guadagnolo celebrate their culture and traditions through festivals and religious feasts. In June, Guadagnolo hosts the Sagra della Ricotta, linked to the village’s ancient pastoral vocation, where visitors can also watch the milk being processed. In August, also in Guadagnolo, the Sagra dei Ciammaruchigli is held, dedicated to snails cooked according to a traditional recipe. In September, Capranica Prenestina celebrates wild blackberries with a festival culminating in an outdoor lunch. In November, the Sagra della Mosciarella honors the local chestnut with a food and wine trail, historical reenactments, music, and dancing.

Religious feasts include processions and performances: in July, St. Mary Magdalene and St. James are honored; in August, St. Roch, the Festa dell’Inchinata, and the Madonna della Mentorella; in September, St. Mary of Grace.

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Cover photo credits: ste77