Sasso
Castel del Sasso: an ancient medieval village
If you are looking for a place to breathe in the air of times gone by and be seduced by the scents and flavors of tradition, Castel del Sasso is the place for you. This small village in the municipality of Cerveteri, in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital, is actually a real medieval village that preserves all of its original structure.
A breathtaking view
The village takes its name from the imposing mass of a trachytic rock that dominates the surrounding territory. This cliff, called "Scoglio di Sant'Antonio" by the locals and "Il Monte" in the past, is the first holder of the name Sasso. It is said that the first settlements in this place date back to the Middle Ages, when groups of men from the Duchy of Saxony settled here.
Historical notes
In the twelfth century, the village belonged to Pietro called "Latro" of the Corsi family of Rome. Later, the lords of Tolfa and the counts of Galera also settled there. In 1254 it returned to the Church, then passed to the Romans/Bonaventura and the Venturini until the 14th century. It was then contested by the Prefetti di Vico family before becoming the property of the Arcispedale di Santo Spirito in Saxia in the 15th century.
In the second half of the sixteenth century, the village was bought by the Patrizi Naro Montoro family, who wanted to give the center of the city a typical sixteenth-century conformation. The Church of Santa Croce, founded by Filippo Patrizi in the seventeenth century, is one of the main monuments of the village. The chapel of the Madonna was only added in 1642.
Places of prehistoric and archaeological interest
Castel del Sasso is surrounded by numerous sites of prehistoric and archaeological interest. Among these, the Patrizi cave on the Monte delle Fate hosts the Neolithic burial of a deformed individual with a perforated skull. In addition, the settlements of the middle bronze age of Sassone, Monte li Pozzi and Fosso Norcino can be attributed to the "Appennine" stylistic aspect.
Conclusions
In summary, Castel del Sasso is a medieval village that preserves its original appearance, from structure to cultural traditions. This small corner of Rome Capital is a perfect place to find peace and tranquility and discover the beauty of the past.
