Ciciliano
Hello from Ciciliano!
Hello everyone! Today I'm going to talk to you about Ciciliano, a small town in the province of Rome Capital in Lazio. Only 1246 people live here, but don't be fooled by its size! Incredible natural beauty and a millennia-long history with roots dating back to the Paleolithic era can be found here.
Physical geography
Territory
Ciciliano borders the town of San Gregorio da Sassola and overlooks the Empiglione and Giovenzano valleys, tributaries of the Aniene River that converge at its feet. The territory is characterized by the Prebentini Mountains, among which is the Spina Santa peak, which is 1059 meters above sea level.
Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters. The climate classification is zone E, with 2427 GR/G of annual precipitation.
History
Antiquity
Ciciliano has an ancient history. In the Paleolithic era, there is already evidence of hunters who frequented the mountains in search of prey. During the Roman rule, deer hunting fueled the legend of the conversion of San Eustachio, to whom a deer with a cross between its antlers appeared. In the eneolithic and bronze age, the area was frequently visited because of transhumance of shepherds in search of springs and watercourses.
The Roman era
From the 6th-5th century BC, Ciciliano was one of the "oppidum" of the Equi, from which they controlled the territory east of Tivoli. In the 1st century BC, the town of Trebula Suffenas, an administrative center of a vast territory, was elevated to "Municipality". At least 17 inhabited centers now rise on the territory of the "ager Trebulanus".
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, "Massa Giovenzana" was affected by the phenomenon of castling by the Benedictine Abbots of Subiaco. In this period, Ciciliano arose, along with other towns such as Castel Madama, Pisoniano, San Vito, Capranica Prenestina-Guadagnolo, Gerano, Cerreto, Canterano and Rocca Canterano, Rocca di Mezzo, Rocca Santo Stefano, Sambucci, Saracinesco, Anticoli Corrado, Marano Equo and Agosta.
Activities and traditions
The millennia-long history of Ciciliano can be felt in every corner of the town. The town boasts an ancient historical center, where the Church of S.S. Giovanni Evangelista and Petronilla stands, dating back to the 6th century AD, and the Barocci Palace, dating back to the 12th century. Every year, on January 21st, San Sebastiano, the patron saint of Ciciliano, is celebrated. The tradition dictates that on the evening of January 20th, the "fire families" roam the town's streets with lit torches and drums to call the faithful to the saint's procession. During the celebration, the streets of the historical center come alive with stalls and artistic and musical performances. On August 16th, San Rocco is celebrated with a procession of the saint's statue through the town's streets and the lighting of fireworks.
Things to do and see
Ciciliano offers many activities and courses, such as music school, sewing school, and other recreational activities. The territory is also perfect for hiking in the Prebentini Mountains, having picnics in the equipped areas, or organizing day trips to places like Palestrina or Tivoli.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Ciciliano, a town that will captivate you with its millennia-long history, the beauty of its territory, and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants!
