Capranica
Welcome to Capranica!
If you're looking for a peaceful place in Italy to enjoy the beauty of nature and historical architecture, Capranica is the place for you. Located in Tuscia, in the province of Viterbo in Lazio, the municipality of Capranica has 6245 inhabitants and is one of the Italian municipalities crossed by the Via Francigena.
Physical geography
The territory
The municipal territory of Capranica is a place of great suggestiveness. It is located on the first slopes of the volcano Monte Cimino, south of Lake Vico, and offers a breathtaking view of the hilly reliefs surrounding the area. The municipality borders with other countries in the area, such as Ronciglione, Sutri, and Bassano Romano, and is characterized by its pear shape, with the tip slightly flattened and facing northwest, making it a unique and original place.
The surrounding territory is characterized by the Vicane volcanites, mainly by the ignimbrite, which creates a large area incised by numerous watercourses, forming valleys with steep slopes and narrow bottoms, as evidence of the erosive process in progress. The morphology of the territory appears more tormented in the northern area, while in the south, the territory presents more softened forms thanks to the presence of the ignimbrite layer, which gives the area a general slope towards the east.
The sea level decreases from northwest to southeast, from about 700 meters above sea level to about 350 meters above sea level. The highest reliefs in the territory are Monte Calvelle, Monte San Donato, the Monti di Bassano, and Monte Sant'Elia. In the central part of the municipal territory, the main direction of the water flow is oriented from northwest to southeast, while in the southernmost part, it flows towards the south-southwest, within the watershed basin of the Mignone river.
Tourist attractions
Monuments and places of interest
Capranica is a place rich in history and historical monuments. The historic center is crossed by the remains of its ancient medieval walls and has a great variety of religious, architectural, and civic monuments.
One of the places of interest in the city is definitely the Church of San Francesco, considered one of the oldest churches in the country. Its construction began in the thirteenth century, and its facade is an important testimony of Gothic art.
Another enchanting attraction is the Palazzo degli Orsini, one of the oldest and best-preserved palaces in the area. Dating back to the eighteenth century, the palace has a beautiful Baroque facade, and inside, you can admire splendid tapestries and antique furniture.
Finally, the Municipality of Capranica hosts an important religious stop for pilgrims who walk the Via Francigena, the Church of San Pancrazio. The church, located at the top of the city near the north gate of the walls, is considered an important heritage of the Middle Ages and offers the opportunity to admire frescoes and valuable sacred furnishings.
Gastronomy
Typical food
If you're a foodie, Capranica is the perfect place to discover the typical cuisine of the area. The municipality offers a wide choice of gastronomic products, from traditional flavors to more refined tastes.
Among the culinary specialties of the place, we invite you to try the Polenta alla Capranichese, a polenta made from corn flour, served with mixed meat sauce, Lumache alla Padronale, sausages from the area, and the famous Vino di Capranica. We guarantee that these delicacies will satisfy your appetite and leave you speechless.
Events and festivals
Traditional celebrations
Capranica boasts a wide variety of traditional festivals and fairs held throughout the year. The most famous of all is the Chestnut Festival, held every year in November.
During this festival, the town is filled with stalls of typical products, games for children, and traditional songs and dances. Furthermore, the protagonist of this festival is the chestnut, a typical product of the area. You can try roasted chestnuts and the famous Vino delle Federiciane, a wine produced from an ancient recipe of the nuns and served during the festival.
Another festival not to be missed is the Feast of San Pancrazio, held on May 12 of each year. This festival is a traditional religious celebration celebrated by the city in honor of the patron saint of the Church of San Pancrazio.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of this tour of Capranica, and we hope to have given you an idea of what to expect from this small municipality in the province of Viterbo. Capranica is a unique place where the beauty of nature blends with local history and culture.
If you decide to visit this place, do not hesitate to try the typical foods of the area and participate in local traditional festivals. We guarantee that it will be an unforgettable discovery.
