Percile, the village immersed in the Monti Lucretili Park

Percile, an enchanting village in the heart of the Monti Lucretili, traces its origins back to Roman times. The first records date to the 4th century, when Anastasius the Librarian mentioned the fundum Percilianum in territorio Sabinensi in the life of Pope Sylvester I. According to some historians, the toponym derives from the Roman Porcia family, and testimonies of the past, such as sepulchral cippi dedicated to young people and figures of the time, confirm its antiquity. In 1011 the first official document appeared, linked to a donation by Count Otto of Sabina to the Abbey of Farfa. Today Percile still preserves the charm of its long history.

What to see in the village

Percile, a picturesque village in the upper Aniene Valley, lies about 60 km from Rome, at an altitude of 575 meters, immersed in the Monti Lucretili Regional Park. Easily accessible from the A24 motorway and the Rome–Avezzano railway, it preserves a valuable historical, religious, and natural heritage.

Among the places of worship, the Church of Santa Lucia (16th century) stands out, once a noble chapel annexed to Palazzo Borghese, today the Town Hall. Also noteworthy is the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria (12th century), with an adjoining hermitage and Gothic features, linked to the victory of Charles of Anjou over Conradin of Swabia in 1268. The Church of Sant’Anatolia, located in the historic center, preserves valuable 17th-century frescoes.

Palazzo Borghese, once a medieval castle already mentioned in 1033, passed to the Orsini, the Atti of Todi, and finally to the Borghese, who maintained lordship until the Unification of Italy.

In the unspoiled nature, the famous Lagustelli—the Fraturno and Marraone lakes—have been recognized since 2008 as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Convention), offering an oasis of 900 hectares of woods and evocative trails.

Events and traditions of the village

In Percile, culinary and popular traditions are celebrated with festivals and fairs that enliven the village throughout the year. In December, the queen of festivals is the Ramiccia, extremely thin handmade fettuccine prepared with over 1,500 eggs and seasoned with an ancient sauce handed down through generations. On May 1, the Festival of the Lakes takes place, an event dedicated to the mountains and the unspoiled nature of the state forest “Lago,” with excursions on foot, horseback, or by bike, accompanied by tastings of typical products. On the second Sunday of May, the Asparagus Festival features wild asparagus enriching pasta dishes with authentic flavor. In October, the village is filled with colors and scents during the Chestnut Festival, which brings autumn flavors to the streets. Among the local sweets and gastronomic specialties stand out amaretti, tettarelle, tisichelle, nociata, ciambelletti di magro, honey, and sausages.

What to see around Percile

In the surroundings of Percile, one can visit places rich in history and nature. A few kilometers away is Tivoli, with its famous UNESCO Villas: Villa d’Este, Villa Adriana, and Villa Gregoriana. In the Aniene Valley, Vicovaro with the monastery of San Cosimato and Licenza, linked to Horace’s Villa, are worth a stop. Further south, Subiaco preserves the evocative Benedictine Monasteries. For trekking enthusiasts, the Monti Lucretili Park offers panoramic trails and unspoiled nature. Medieval villages such as Orvinio and Roccagiovine enrich the area with charm and authenticity.

Cover photo credits: essevu