Nerola
Discovering Nerola, a small municipality nestled in the Lazio mountains
If you're looking for a rustic place, immersed in nature, then Nerola is the perfect destination for you. This municipality, located in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital in Lazio, has a population of around 1889 inhabitants and is located at 453 meters above sea level, on the northern foothills of the Lucretili mountains.
Physical geography
Nerola's territory is characterized by the presence of the Elci, Lago and Lucretili mountains. Mount Elci rises to a height of 711 meters above sea level and separates the municipality from the Corese stream, which flows in the homonymous valley at an altitude of around 200-240 m above sea level. To the south of Nerola is Mount Lago, which reaches a height of 601 meters above sea level, while to the east there is a valley that leads to Scandriglia, a neighboring town. To the southeast, instead, rise the Lucretili mountains, with the highest peak being Mount Pellecchia (1368 m above sea level). To the west, there is a plain that overlooks the Tiber valley.
Climate
Nerola's climate is in line with that of Lazio, with maximum temperatures reaching 28/29 degrees Celsius, and in particularly intense heat waves, they can even reach 35 degrees Celsius. In winter, however, minimum temperatures often drop below 0 degrees Celsius, especially in the valleys and sectors exposed to the north. Nerola's average temperatures are about 3/5 degrees Celsius lower than Rome's, and precipitation occurs all year round, especially during the autumn and spring period. However, there are also summer thunderstorms, although in these periods prolonged periods of drought can occur, as happened in 2003 and 2011. The average rainfall accumulation is around 1000-1050 mm/year, and snow falls periodically, although in modest amounts, especially in December and February.
Origin of the name
The toponym "Nerola" probably derives from the Sabine "nero" or "nerio", meaning "strong" and "valiant". According to a local legend, there is a villa from the Roman era on the site where the municipality is located, which would have belonged to Emperor Nero, belonging to the "gens Claudia" of distant Sabine origin. An inscription on the fountain in the town hall square ("A Nerone tuum Nerola nomen habet") seems to confirm this theory, dating the origin of the name to the Roman Emperor.
History
In the 10th century, the Castle of Castrum Nerulae was founded by "ruler of Sabina" Benedetto Crescenzi and was owned by the Crescenzi until 1235 when it passed under the direct dominion of the Papacy. At the beginning of the 11th century, the fief was granted to the Orsini family, who built the current Orsini Castle. In the late 15th century, it was further reinforced with powerful towers and other defensive works, and the village surrounding it was fortified. In 1483, the "Old Church" was built near the castle.
Subsequently, control of the castle passed to the Barberini family and, starting in 1728, to the Colonna di Sciarra family of Giacomo Sciarra Colonna, and then to the Lante Della Rovere family.
Discovering Nerola: what to see and what to do
Nerola is an ideal place for outdoor walking enthusiasts. The mountains surrounding the municipality offer numerous trekking itineraries, perfect for exploring the pristine nature that characterizes the area. There are also numerous bike paths, suitable for both experienced cyclists and beginners.
For art lovers, Nerola offers numerous attractions. One thing not to be missed is the Castle of Nerola (Orsini Castle), an imposing medieval structure that stands out over the town, and the Church of San Francesco, an important example of religious architecture present in the municipality.
Additionally, Nerola also offers a great variety of typical products, such as the prized extra virgin olive oil, honey, chestnuts, and wine. Don't hesitate to taste the local cuisine, which offers numerous traditional dishes, such as "pasta alla nerolese", "polenta and chicory", "potato croquettes", and much more.
In short, Nerola is a hidden gem of Lazio, a charming place to discover the nature, history, and culture of this wonderful Italian region.
