Castel San Pietro Romano, the village of iconic film sets

Castel San Pietro Romano, recognised as one of Italy's most beautiful villages, boasts a unique historical and scenic heritage. Its name appears in documents from the late 15th century as Castellum Sancti Petri or Castrum Sancti Petri, linked to the Colonna family's fortress. The history of the village has its roots in the late Bronze Age, when the first inhabited centre arose on Monte Ginestro (763 m above sea level), giving rise to ancient Praeneste, now Palestrina. Over the centuries, the site was an acropolis, a Benedictine monastery and a fortified stronghold, before becoming the town it is today. In the 20th century, the village also became famous thanks to cinema, hosting unforgettable sets such as Bread, Love and Dreams. Today, it enchants visitors with its authenticity and the splendid Valle delle Cannuccete.

The beauties of the village

Abandoned in the 19th century and reduced to ruins, the Rocca dei Colonna was restored and reopened to the public in the early 2000s. Built by the powerful family for defensive purposes on the highest point of Monte Ginestro, it was destroyed in 1298 and again in 1436-37, before being rebuilt in 1482 by Stefano Colonna, who transformed it into a community warehouse. Next to it stands the Church of St. Peter the Apostle, built on the ruins of an ancient Benedictine monastery, rebuilt by the Barberini family in the 17th century and decorated with works by Paolo Benaglia and Giacinto Gimignani. As evidence of the more distant past, the imposing ring of polygonal walls from the 6th century BC, with towers and gates, recalls the ancient sacred and defensive function of the acropolis.

Events in Castel San Pietro Romano

During the winter, the Rocca dei Colonna hosts an evocative artistic nativity scene with life-size figures, set in a reconstructed village with huts, a mill, a fountain and scenes of crafts. On Sundays in December, the village comes alive with Christmas craft markets. On the last Sunday in July, the Food and Wine Trail is held, offering an opportunity to taste the famous Giglietto, a Slow Food presidium biscuit. In mid-August, the patron saint's festivities of San Rocco transform the village into a stage for historical re-enactments, music and shows in the square, culminating in the traditional fireworks that light up the village.

Discover the surroundings of Castel San Pietro Romano

The surroundings of Castel San Pietro Romano offer natural landscapes and villages rich in history. A short distance away is Palestrina, with its famous Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, evidence of ancient Praeneste. The Valle delle Cannuccete, a protected area of about twenty hectares, is perfect for walks among the flora and fauna typical of the Lazio hills, with the remains of a pre-Roman aqueduct. Among the scenic trails and woods of the Parco dei Castelli Romani, you can discover ancient settlements and archaeological trails. In the surrounding area, you can also visit small characteristic villages, taste local products and enjoy unique cultural and gastronomic experiences.

photo credits essevu