Genzano di Roma
Discovering Genzano di Roma
Welcome to the city of Genzano di Roma, an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital in Lazio. Let's explore together the geographical and climatic characteristics of the territory, the origin of its name, and its history.
Physical geography
Territory
Genzano di Roma is located on the outer slope of the volcanic crater of Lake Nemi. Its town hall is at an altitude of 480 meters, while the lowest point of the town is at 106 meters. This territory is one of the eccentric apparatuses of the Laziale volcano, which originated from magma in the last phases of activity of the Albanian volcanic complex.
Climate
The territory of Genzano di Roma enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters, autumn temperatures higher than spring ones, and ventilated summers. The phenomenon of "stau" is located on the first heights of the hills facing south-southwest, which involves a reduction of the water vapor in the clouds as the height above sea level progresses. Genzano di Roma is located on the trajectory of the Tyrrhenian humid currents and has a rather high rainfall with significant annual precipitation. The municipality of Genzano di Roma is classified as zone D according to the 1984 GR / G climate classification.
Origin of the name
The origin of the name Genzano di Roma is still the subject of discussion today. According to some, the hill on which the village stands, located on the outer edge of Lake Nemi, was dedicated to the goddess Cynthia (Cynthia Fanum), whose cult was united with that of Diana. Others believe that the etymology derives from "fundus Gentiani," or from the land owned by the Roman family Gentia.
History
Antiquity
In antiquity, the territory of Genzano di Roma fell within the jurisdiction of Lanuvio and Aricia. However, there is no evidence of a settlement in its area. Numerous Latin and Roman archaeological finds have been found in the territory of Genzano di Roma. Near the Appian Way road axis, corresponding to the saddle between the Montecagnoletto and Monte Canino hills, the XIX milestone of the Appian Way was found, which allowed a correct topographic reconstruction of the area.
Middle ages
Around the 10th century, there is the presence of a small Saracen settlement. In 1153, Pope Anastasius IV gave possession of the territory, where the Gandolfi family had already built a tower (destroyed in 1188), to the Cistercians of the Abbey of Sant'Anastasio alle Acque Salvie.
Modern and contemporary era
In the eighteenth century, Genzano di Roma saw the construction of several eighteenth-century villas, which represented the summer residence of Roman nobles.
In the mid-nineteenth century, the arrival of the railway and the construction of a station meant a considerable boost to the economy and tourism of the town. The municipality was the protagonist of a growing urban and industrial development that culminated with the construction of the famous "Palazzo Sforza Cesarini."
In 1983, the city of Genzano di Roma gained considerable national and international fame thanks to its famous "Infiorata," which became the venue for a famous floral event that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Conclusions
Genzano di Roma is a city with a millennial history, rich in traditions and culture. Thanks to its geographical location, the city offers a pleasant climate that makes it an ideal destination for summer tourism. The municipality enjoys a solid economy linked to industry, craftsmanship, and urban development. If you love Italian history and culture, it is worth visiting this beautiful municipality in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital in Lazio.
