Casape
A friend tells you about Casape, an enchanted village on the slopes of the Monti Prenestini!
If you're looking for a picturesque and historic place, Casape is the place for you! This medieval village is located on the western side of the Monti Prenestini, in the metropolitan city of Rome Capitale, in Lazio. With its 672 inhabitants, Casape is ready to welcome you among its narrow alleys and ancient stone houses.
Its history
Casape has a very interesting history dating back to Roman times. On its territory once stood the villa of Gneo Domizio Corbulone, a Roman general of the 1st century AD who was related to Emperor Nero. Later, the ruins of the villa were used to create a small agricultural center called Casa Corbuli. In the 13th century, the convent of S. Gregorio al Celio "Clivio Scauri" became the owner of Casa Corbuli. In 1527, it was sold to a nobleman Vincenzo Leonini and subsequently to the Santa Croce family. In the 17th century, the Barberini family acquired it and sold it to the Pio di Savoia family, who ruled it for about a century until the male branch died out. Later, the Brancaccio family took the place of the Pio as lords of the village.
The origin of the name
The name of the town has been the subject of several hypotheses, but the most accredited one refers to the Pio di Savoia family, who owned the castle of the village for over a century. It is believed that the name derives from "Casapio," meaning "House of Pio," which later evolved into "Casape." The Pio family was very important for the village of Casape, as Cardinal Carlo Pio di Savoia iuniore built houses and roads for his people. When the Brancaccio family acquired power, they found the name of the village already established and kept it.
The climate
Being located on the Monti Prenestini, Casape has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The area is classified as E zone, with an average annual temperature of 14.9°C and many hours of sunshine each year.
Life in Casape
Life in Casape is very quiet and peaceful, a perfect experience for those seeking a break from the city's hustle and bustle. The village is full of small local shops selling the best of local gastronomy, such as olive oil, cheese, and wine. There are also some restaurants serving traditional Roman cuisine, such as the famous pasta alla carbonara, artichokes alla romana, and abbacchio alla scottadito. Every Sunday, the village market fills the alleys with colorful stalls where fresh local products can be purchased.
Special Events
For an even more immersive experience in local culture, we recommend visiting Casape during the village festivals! The summer festival usually takes place in July and offers an opportunity to enjoy grilled food and dancing under the stars. The Christmas festival is equally special, with the living Nativity scene set up throughout the village and the streets illuminated by colorful lights and festive decorations.
What to see in Casape
In addition to the beauty of the village itself, Casape also offers some fascinating tourist attractions. The Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the 19th century, is a true gem of local architecture with its elaborate paintings and decorations. The Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime is another must-see destination, where it is said that the sacred image shed tears during a serious plague epidemic. It is also possible to take beautiful hikes in the surrounding area, both on foot and by bicycle, to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
Overall, Casape is a quiet and charming place, with plenty to offer anyone looking for a break from the city and an authentic experience in the heart of Italy.
