Formello
Formello: a corner of nature northwest of Rome
Located northwest of Rome, the municipality of Formello is a treasure trove of natural beauty that extends within the Veio Regional Park. South-west of the Sabatini Mountains, the territory develops about 71% within the park, offering fascinating landscape views and flourishing habitats.
Territory
Formello extends over an area that borders to the north with the municipality of Campagnano di Roma, to the east with Sacrofano, to the south and west with Rome. Characterized by wide ridges and formations in tuff, the territory consists of few cultivated lands for vineyards, olive groves, and cereal crops. Streams and woods host numerous animal species, including some raptors such as the buzzard and kestrel. Amphibians and reptiles such as the green frog and freshwater turtle find a comfortable habitat in the streams, contributing to enrich the landscape.
Climate
Formello's climate is characterized as zone D, with 1693 GR/G of annual precipitation, and is perceived as mild.
A history as ancient as that of Veio
The first presence on the municipal territory of Formello dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological finds in the Valle Cancella, Terre di Bettona and Prato la Corte. In historical times, the area was part of the territory of the Etruscan city of Veio that stood in the current municipal territory. The Etruscan domination contributed to the fact that many archaeological evidence of that time still exist today, such as artifacts, tombs, and the alphabet of Formello, the archaic Etruscan alphabet. With the Roman conquest of Veio in 396 BC, the territory began to depopulate and underwent various vicissitudes until 780, when Pope Adrian I founded the domusculta Capracorum. This opposed the expansion of the Longobard-founded Farfa Abbey. After the incursions of the Arabs in the 9th century, the area declined.
Among the agricultural lands owned by the estate of Formello, a settlement developed that inherited the function of the center of the Capracorum territory. In 1279, it was granted in feudalism to the Orsini family, while in 1544 the community obtained a statute that regulated the administrative relations with the feudal lords. In 1661, it was sold to the Chigi family.
A cultural heritage to discover
Church of San Lorenzo
The Church of San Lorenzo inherited the functions of that of the destroyed Capracorum and perhaps dates back to the X-XI century. This church was probably a single nave. In the 15th century, the bell tower was built in front of the facade, for which the central portal of entry was walled up. The building underwent significant restructuring starting in 1574 when it was decided to construct the side aisles: the eastern one had been obtained from the division of the original church, while the western one was added together with the presbytery.
Formello, therefore, represents an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty but also for those who love history and want to discover the secrets of an ancient civilization.
