Castelnuovo di Porto, the village perched among the tuff quarries

Castelnuovo di Porto is a charming village, one of the most beautiful in Italy, whose name refers to the construction of a ‘new castle’ on the ruins of a previous structure, probably commissioned by the Benedictine monks of San Paolo. The word “di Porto” derives from the inclusion of the territory in the diocese of Porto and Santa Rufina. Nestled on a tuff ridge between the valleys of Fosso di Chiarano and Mola, the village retains its medieval layout, dominated by the Rocca Colonna and the collegiate church of Santa Maria Assunta. Part of the Veio Regional Park, the surrounding area alternates between woods and agricultural landscapes, home to rare animal and plant species. Walking through the ancient streets and tuff quarries, you can breathe in the history of a village that has lived through centuries of art, fortifications and traditions.

The architectural beauties of the village

The Rocca Colonna was the residence of the Colonna family, who owned the village for two centuries, until 1581. Inside, there is the chapel of the ancient church of San Silvestro in Castello, with 14th-century frescoes, and the Loggia Pinta from 1568, attributed to Federico Zuccari. The collegiate church of Santa Maria Assunta, rebuilt in Baroque style in 1753-56, houses the Triptych of the Saviour from 1501, attributed to the school of Antoniazzo Romano. The small church of Madonna delle Virtù, consecrated in 1674 with a Greek cross plan, connects the village to the Via Flaminia, while the church of Sant'Antonio Abate preserves a 16th-century fresco of the Virgin and Child and was once part of the hospital. The Osteria della Posta, the paved road towards the Tiberina and the quarries of Grotta Colonna complete the picture of the historical and artistic heritage of the village.

Events in the village

In Castelnuovo di Porto, traditions and culture enliven the village throughout the year. In September, the Historical Re-enactment for Sant'Antonino transforms the streets into a medieval atmosphere. In October, the international festival ‘Castelnuovo Fotografia’ celebrates photography between the village and Rocca Colonna, while the gnocchi festival delights visitors. In November, the Polenta Festival takes place. In January, the festivals organised by the confraternities of Sant'Antonio Abate and San Sebastiano offer processions, blessings and historical re-enactments. The Rocca Colonna castle hosts concerts throughout the year, organised by the Artipelgo Cultural Association, a prestigious music school.

The surroundings of Castelnuovo di Porto

The surroundings of Castelnuovo di Porto offer unique natural landscapes and historical sites. The village is nestled in the Veio Regional Park, ideal for walks through woods of turkey oak, downy oak and black poplar, observing animals such as kites, kestrels and woodpeckers. Not far away are the ruins of Belmonte, an ancient fortified village, and the Roman tuff quarries used to build Rome. The nearby Tiber valley offers panoramic views and trekking routes, while the Via Flaminia connects the village to historic villages and small sanctuaries. Exploring these places means experiencing history, nature and traditions just a stone's throw from Rome.

photo credits Stefano Tammaro