Celleno
Welcome to Celleno: a friendly introduction to the town
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a hidden gem in the heart of Lazio? We're talking about Celleno, a town of around 1300 people located between Lake Bolsena and Lake Alviano, in the province of Viterbo.
Physical geography: a land full of charm
Celleno is situated on a tuff spur at an altitude of 400m between the Briglie stream to the north and the Calenne stream to the south. This places it to the right of the Tiber, between Orvieto and Orte, in the Teverina region. Here the land is covered with volcanic materials and is based on a clayey-sandy sedimentary layer. Thanks to this particular conformation, genuine natural works of art have been created, such as Civita di Bagnoregio and the Valle dei Calanchi. Even the slopes of Celleno's historic center show this natural beauty, which has given rise to numerous settlements since pre-Roman times.
But the real gem of the area is the Gole dell'Infernaccio, a set of gorges and waterfalls that extend south of the town. Here the river begins its work of erosion, creating deep gorges between rocks over 60 meters high. The scenery is unique, with extraordinary colors and contrasts between the surface ferruginous water and the bluish shades of the bottom.
History of the town: from origins to present day
Celleno's history begins in the pre-Roman era, as we said. Over the centuries, the town has known nearly uninterrupted continuity of life, thanks to its strategic position and unique cultural heritage.
One of the most important monuments to visit in Celleno is the church of San Donato, which still retains the signs of its Romanesque construction. Adjacent to the church is the town hall, which has just been completed and is ready to welcome the town's citizens. Don't miss, then, the convent of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the thirteenth century, and the Pieve of San Giovanni Battista, with its Romanesque apse.
In short, in Celleno the past is alive and can be breathed in every corner of the town. But it's not just about history! Modern life is also full of opportunities and surprises.
Life in town: culture, sports, and traditions
First of all, it's worth emphasizing the importance of culture in Celleno. The town hosts a municipal library and a civic center, where cultural events and activities are organized. Furthermore, local traditions are very much felt by the community, as demonstrated by participation in the Palio delle Contrade, a competition of skill and courage held every year.
But there are also opportunities for those who want to practice sports. In Celleno, there are numerous trails that can be walked or biked, and the town organizes the event "Celleno in cammino" to promote hiking in the surrounding nature.
Finally, food lovers will not be disappointed: in Celleno, you can taste typical dishes such as pappa al pomodoro and polenta with sausages. And if you like shopping, you can visit the Saturday morning market, where local products and more are found.
In conclusion, Celleno is a town rich in history, culture, sports, and local traditions. Its geographical position makes it a perfect place for lovers of hiking and nature, but also for those who want to discover Italy's artistic heritage. Come to visit us, we'll be happy to welcome you and show you our hidden gem in Lazio!
