Ariccia

Ariccia is a town that proudly preserves its history, blending the charm of the past with a vibrant cultural and culinary tradition. A must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Castelli Romani region.

History

Ariccia, located southeast of Rome in the heart of the Castelli Romani, boasts a millennia-old history rooted in pre-Roman times. Its origins are shrouded in myth: according to legend, the town was founded by Hippolytus, son of Theseus, who—after being resurrected by Asclepius—fled to Latium under the name Virbius. Other sources attribute its founding to Archilochus of Sicily, as recorded by the 3rd-century Roman historian Gaius Julius Solinus.

Archaeological evidence indicates the area was inhabited as early as the 8th–7th century BCE, evidenced by peperino block walls discovered in the town’s upper section.

Ariccia was one of the most important cities of the Latin League and held strategic significance along the Via Appia, serving as the first postal station (mansio) at the 16th mile from Rome.

During the Republican era, Ariccia maintained autonomy while under Roman influence. With Rome’s expansion, the town became a crucial waypoint for travelers heading south. In the Imperial period, the surrounding area was known for its patrician villas, including Emperor Vitellius’s villa near the modern town center.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Ariccia declined. In the Middle Ages, it passed under the control of noble families. After the Counts of Tusculum fell in 1191, the fief was ruled by the Malabranca family, who sold it to Pope Honorius III in 1223. Later, Ariccia became part of the Papal States, enduring temporary occupations by families like the Savelli.

In 1473, the Savelli family officially acquired Ariccia. Under their rule, Mario Savelli commissioned the construction of Ariccia’s castle, reinforcing the family’s presence in the region.

However, in 1661, the Savelli sold Ariccia to the Chigi, one of Rome’s most influential families. Prince Agostino I Chigi, alongside his cousin Cardinal Flavio Chigi and uncle Mario, acquired the fief for its proximity to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence chosen by Pope Alexander VII Chigi.

Under the Chigi, Ariccia underwent a dramatic transformation. The famed architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, assisted by Carlo Fontana, redesigned the urban center. Between 1664 and 1672, Palazzo Chigi was renovated, and Piazza di Corte—along with the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta—adopted the Baroque appearance that still defines the town today.

In the 19th century, during Pope Pius IX’s reign, the Ariccia Monumental Bridge was built—an engineering feat connecting the town to Albano Laziale. Inaugurated in 1854, the bridge suffered damage during WWII and was later rebuilt.

Today, Ariccia is renowned not only for its historical and artistic heritage but also for its culinary traditions, particularly its famed porchetta, which draws visitors from across Italy.

What to Visit

  1. Palazzo Chigi: Located in Piazza di Corte, this palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Restyled by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Fontana, it retains original 17th-century furnishings, frescoes, and artworks. Its halls were used as filming locations for movies like Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard. palazzochigiariccia.it
  2. Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta: Also designed by Bernini, this church draws inspiration from Rome’s Pantheon with its circular layout and majestic dome. Inside, admire stuccoes and frescoes, including the apse painting. lazionascosto.it
  3. Ariccia Monumental Bridge: Built between 1847 and 1854, the bridge links Ariccia to Albano Laziale. At 59 meters tall and 312 meters long, it offers panoramic views.
  4. Chigi Park: Adjacent to Palazzo Chigi, this Italian-style garden features ancient woodlands, scenic trails, and Roman-era ruins—ideal for strolls and relaxation.
  5. Fontana delle Tre Cannelle: This medieval fountain in the historic center was once the town’s primary water source.
  6. Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Galloro: A pilgrimage site housing the miraculous image of the Madonna di Galloro, revered by locals.
  7. Porta Napoletana: Remnants of the medieval gate that once guarded the town’s entrance.
  8. Le Vie Cave: Ancient Etruscan-Roman tuff-carved pathways still walkable today, linking Ariccia to nearby areas.
  9. Porchetta Market: Not a monument but a must-try experience—kiosks and fraschette (taverns) serving Ariccia’s iconic roasted pork.

Things to Do

Beyond visiting monuments and historical sites, Ariccia offers various activities for those wanting to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions.

  1. Stroll through Chigi Park: A green area perfect for light hikes and picnics, with an atmosphere reminiscent of 17th-century noble estates.
  2. Taste Porchetta at Fraschette: Ariccia’s historic taverns serve traditional Lazio cuisine, with porchetta as the undisputed star.
  3. Visit the Farmers’ Market: Every weekend, the market offers local produce, cheeses, wine and other gastronomic specialties.
  4. Explore the Castelli Romani: Ariccia makes an excellent base for discovering nearby villages like Nemi, Genzano and Castel Gandolfo.
  5. Attend the Porchetta Festival: One of the most anticipated events of the year, held in September to celebrate local culinary traditions.
  6. Discover the Appian Way: A section of the ancient Roman road passes near Ariccia and can be explored on foot or by bike.
  7. Cultural Evenings at Palazzo Chigi: Throughout the year, the palace hosts art exhibitions and classical music concerts.
  8. Photograph the View from the Monumental Bridge: Spectacular vistas of the Alban Hills and Roman countryside.
  9. Visit the Baroque Museum: Inside Palazzo Chigi, it houses paintings and artworks from the Baroque period.

Contacts and Further Information

For more information about events, guided tours and opening hours:

Events and Festivals

  • Porchetta Festival (September) – A traditional event attracting thousands of visitors.
  • Festival of Madonna di Galloro (December) – Religious celebration honoring the town’s patron saint.
  • Baroque Festival at Palazzo Chigi (various dates) – Musical and cultural events.
  • Weekly Farmers’ Market – Every weekend for local products.

Patron Saints

  • Patron Saint of Ariccia: Madonna di Galloro.
  • Other venerated saints: Saint Roch and Saint Apollonia.

Historical Sources from Books:

  1. Plutarch, Life of Theseus (2nd century AD) – Myth of Hippolytus/Virbius and Ariccia’s founding.
  2. Gaius Julius Solinus, Collectanea Rerum Memorabilium (3rd century AD) – Tradition of Archilochus of Sicily founding Ariccia.
  3. Livy, Ab Urbe Condita (5th century BC) – Ariccia’s role in the Latin League.
  4. Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities (1st century BC) – Wars between Rome and Latin cities including Ariccia.
  5. Strabo, Geography (1st century BC) – Topographical description of the Alban Hills area.
  6. Cicero, De Republica (1st century BC) – References to Ariccia’s strategic position on the Appian Way.
  7. Giuseppe Lugli, La Via Appia (1936) – Archaeological study of Ariccia’s role along the ancient Roman road.
  8. Luigi Canina, Description of the Ancient Appian Way (1853) – Historical-architectural analysis.
  9. Francesco Lanzoni, The Dioceses of Italy from Origins to the 7th Century (1927) – Early Christian presence in Ariccia.
  10. Claudio Rendina, The Popes: History and Secrets (1983) – Relations between the Church and Chigi family in Ariccia.

Authoritative Web Sources:

  1. Ariccia Municipality – Official information on history, events and tourism.
  2. Palazzo Chigi Ariccia – History and details about Palazzo Chigi and Ariccia’s Baroque era.
  3. Visit Castelli Romani – Tourist guide to area villages.
  4. Hidden Lazio – Insights on towns, events and history.
  5. Roman Empire – Historical and archaeological resources.
  6. Wikipedia – Ariccia – Historical and monumental summary.
  7. Lorenzotaccioli.it – Travel blog with tourist suggestions.
  8. 94Rooms Vatican – Guide to sights and activities in Ariccia.
  9. Baroque Museum – Information about the museum and collections.
  10. Official Porchetta Festival of Ariccia Website – Details about the traditional event.