Vignanello
01039 Vignanello (VT) mobiletext
Perched at the foot of the Cimini Mountains, Vignanello is a picturesque medieval village that winds its way through narrow stone alleyways and stairways, offering evocative views and a magical atmosphere of yesteryear.
The village boasts a history dating back thousands of years, with traces of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Among its most emblematic buildings is the majestic Ruspoli Castle, built in 1531, an imposing square-shaped medieval dwelling surrounded by moats and drawbridges. Its crenellated walls and corner towers make it one of the best-preserved castles in Lazio. Inside you can admire frescoes and historical portraits, evidence of the prestige of the noble families who lived there, from the Orsini to the Farnese to the Ruspoli, whose descendants still own it.
The castle gardens are equally famous: considered among the most important Renaissance gardens in Europe, they offer a labyrinth of laurel and thyme hedges interspersed with ornamental pots of orange and lemon trees. They are divided into several sections, including the Vegetable Garden, featuring a hedge parterre, the Secret Garden, the Barco and Barchetto, and the Marescotta Estate.
Another point of interest is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione, built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style, with seven altars and a fine organ.
In addition to its beauty on the surface, Vignanello also hides a fascinating underground world. The Connutti are a network of tunnels that run beneath the village. Although their origin remains uncertain, it is known that the Connutti were used by the Etruscans, probably to collect and transport water from underground aquifers. In the Middle Ages the passages were repurposed, also taking on a defensive role in addition to their water function. Some of these passages are still visible today, with a main pipe feeding the fountains in the gardens of Ruspoli Castle.
In addition to culture, Vignanello is renowned for its typical products, especially olive oil and DOC wine. Festivals dedicated to these excellences, such as the Festa del Vino in August and the Festa dell'Olio e del Vino Novello in November, attract enthusiasts and visitors every year, eager to discover the authentic flavors of the area.
