Civitella Cesi
Civitella Cesi: a village rich in history and culinary traditions
Civitella Cesi is a small village in the municipality of Blera, located in the province of Viterbo, in Lazio. Despite its small size, this location boasts a millennial history and a gastronomic culture that make it unique in the Italian landscape. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss these peculiarities in detail.
Description
To arrive at Civitella Cesi, one must travel a narrow and winding asphalt road that branches off from the SP42 of Barbarano Romano. Alternatively, one can take a long dirt road that branches off from the SP3a near the ancient castle of Rota. The territory of Civitella Cesi is crossed by the Mignone River, which offers breathtaking landscapes.
Among the main attractions of Civitella Cesi is the "Sagra delle fettuccine al tartufo", which takes place in the first week of August. This festival attracts hundreds of foodies, willing to stand in line for over an hour in a characteristic narrow alley carved into the tuff, to taste the truffles and grilled meats produced in the surrounding territory of the Agrarian University of Civitella Cesi.
History
The first historical evidence of Civitella Cesi dates back to 1256. However, near the ancient village are the remains of the Etruscan settlement of San Giovenale. Over the centuries, the village gradually depopulated while still maintaining its original structure. In the past, Civitella Cesi was a fiefdom of various noble Roman families until, in the early 19th century, Giovanni Raimondo Torlonia was created Prince of Civitella Cesi by Pope Pius VII.
To further exploit the fiefdom, some families from the Marche and Umbria, as well as from nearby Blera, were transferred to Civitella Cesi. This explains the dialect spoken in the village, which is very different from the one spoken in Blera, and some dishes and desserts of Umbrian-Marchigian derivation. One of these is the "Rocciata", a dessert prepared only for Christmas and a few other important occasions.
After World War II, with the agrarian reform and the expropriation of part of the Torlonia's land, the village experienced some development. Today, Civitella Cesi is a picturesque village that still preserves many of its historical and culinary traditions.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Civitella Cesi is a charming location, characterized by a millennial history and a unique gastronomic heritage. Visiting this village means immersing yourself in a different culture and discovering the hidden beauties of the Lazio region. If you are looking for an authentic experience, Civitella Cesi is the right place for you!
