On half road between the lakes of Albano and Nemi, on a volcanic
cliff spur, it rises Ariccia, village of ancient origins. Its inhabitants
were devout people to the goddess Diana, which temple situated in Nemi it
was one of the main sanctuaries of the Latin Confederation. The first inhabitants
of these places introduced themselves like courageous people with martial
spirit. Famous is the battle of "Aricia" (end of VI century b.C.)
where the Latin League, with "Aricia" as head city, destroyed
the hegemonic ambitions of the Etruschi versus the southern Lazio. Under
the commander Erdonio Turno, the “Ariccini” fought strongly
against Rome, before to lose in IV century b.C.. "Aricia" became
therefore, an important roman municipality, preferred holiday destination
of the main personages of the City. During the Middle Ages it endured the
pillages and onslaught of the barbaric horde spreading in the roman countryside.
From the 981 become a Conti of Tuscolo feud, then to the Malabranca and
therefore property of the Church. In 1473 it passed to the Savelli that
started the reconstruction of the village equipping it with services and
fortifications and beginning the construction of the baronial palace. Acquired
in the century XVII from the Chigi, the village was completely redesigned
from the architectonic genius Gian Lorenzo Bernini that
taken advantage of a valid collaborator like Carlo Fontana.
In these last decades, through a series of huge participations by the Fund
for the Improvement of the South, the territory of Ariccia has became one
of the more consisting poles of medium industries of the entire roman province.
Is suggested the visit to the palace of the Chigi, rich
of art precious objects. Luchino Visconti have done many of the scenes of
"Gattopardo" movie inside the palace. Bernini have done the redesign
of the village just outside the palace, the church of S. Maria Assunta
and of the Sanctuary of Galloro.
Altitude 412, km 26 from Roma.
B&B list in Ariccia. Bed & Breakfast, accomodation. Hotel Ariccia
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