Overview
Velletri is a town in central Lazio, nestled in the greenery of the Castelli Romani, just 40 km south of Rome. It is set in an enchanting location on the slopes of Monte Artemisio, in an area of great natural, landscape, and cultural interest, such as the Alban Hills. The beauty of its surroundings, the richness of its historical, artistic, and architectural heritage, as well as an ancient and renowned tradition of wine and cuisine, distinguish this city with its millennia-old history, where the emperor Caesar Octavian Augustus spent his childhood.
Food
1) Strozzapreti alla Velletri-style, a dish that combines simplicity of preparation with rich flavour.
2) Brussels sprout and cod soup, a dish that, even today in its simplicity, is able to create a strong bond between the people of Velletri and their rural traditions.
3) Carciofi alla Matticella, an undisputed symbol of the city and closely linked to local viticulture, are cooked over embers made from “matticelle”, bundles of vine prunings.
4) Ciambelline al vino are dry ring-shaped biscuits made with flour, sugar, oil, and wine, which gives them a unique aroma and crumbly texture.
5) Ciambelle al mosto are a traditional sweet made from leavened dough and prepared with warm grape must.
6) Ciambelle all’acqua, a simple peasant dessert flavoured with anise, are made from dough that is briefly boiled and then baked.
Drinks
Velletri DOC Red and White wines.
Red: grape varieties include Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Cesanese Comune, and Cesanese di Affile. It has a ruby-red colour. Ethereal and spicy on the nose, while on the palate it is dry, smooth, and well-balanced.
White: grape varieties include Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano Toscano, and Trebbiano Giallo. It has a straw-yellow colour. On the nose, the floral bouquet is clean and elegant, with notes of ripe fruit, yeast, and beer. On the palate, it is dry, full-bodied, and persistent
Points of Interest
1) The Palazzo Comunale, designed by Della Porta and Vignola, together with the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Tempietto del Sangue, defines the ancient Renaissance-style Piazza di Corte, today known as Piazza Cesare Ottaviano Augusto.
2) The “O. Nardini” Archaeological Museum, inaugurated in 1920, has become a living institution in continuous growth. Its collection consists of stone and terracotta materials ranging from the prehistoric period to the early Middle Ages. The Sarcophagus of the Labours of Hercules, dating to the 2nd century AD, has become the emblem of the city’s archaeological heritage.
3) The Museum of Geopalaeontology and Prehistory of the Alban Hills, inaugurated in 2005, displays various minerals and a collection of fossils, worked stones, points, scrapers, and backed knives. The Protohistoric section presents several grave goods from Iron Age necropolises.
4) The SS. Stimmate Archaeological Area occupies the hill on which the first settlement of the city was established, with evidence dating back to the Iron Age, followed by the construction of a temple in the 7th–6th century BC and its subsequent transformations, attributed to Tarquin the Proud.
5) The Diocesan Museum, founded in 1927 by Cardinal Basilio Pompili, is housed in the ancient Episcopal Seminary, a prestigious building whose oldest core dates back to the second half of the 15th century. The works, mainly coming from the city’s churches, have been part of the collection since the late 19th century.
6) The former Convent of the Carmine, left by the religious order in 1870 and later used as a land registry office until the 1960s, is now home to the A. Tersenghi Library. It preserves frescoes of rare beauty that time and human neglect had left in a state of decay, such as the classical “Last Supper” and Elijah in the chariot of fire. In Palazzo Cinelli are also located the Ancient Collection Library, the Municipal Historical Archive, and the Notarial Archive.
7) Velletri Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Clement I, Pope and Martyr, dates back to the 5th century and has a basilica plan divided into three naves with seven chapels. In the crypt is preserved a fresco depicting the Translation of the relics of Saints Eleutherius and Pontian, the only iconographic testimony of the church’s external appearance in its earliest centuries.
8) Santa Maria del Trivio was built before the bell tower; it was originally constructed in Gothic style with a simple exposed beam ceiling. In the first half of the 17th century, having fallen into disrepair, architect Carlo Maderno was commissioned to design the new church, which would take the form of a Latin cross with a central dome, side chapels, and an ornate façade. The completion work was entrusted in 1759 by Bishop Cardinal Raniero d’Elci to architect Carlo Murena.
9) Porta Napoletana, built in 1511, was originally constructed as the main entrance to the medieval town of Velletri. The gate features a portal and a massive iron grille. From here began the city walls, punctuated by towers, which once surrounded Velletri.
10) The Church of Saint Lucy, founded in 1032, still retained its Gothic appearance in 1595. It underwent numerous alterations, mainly due to improper use: during various wars it served as a barracks, a hospital, and even a stable. In the 20th century, its original layout was drastically altered due to the construction of the Chapel of Victories, designed by architect M. de Rossi.
