Carchitti
Carchitti: the hidden gem of the Colli Albani
Carchitti is a small fraction of Palestrina, a province of Rome, located 416 meters above sea level at the foot of the Colli Albani. With a population of 2255 inhabitants, Carchitti is a hidden gem of the Lazio region. If you are looking for an authentic experience in Italy, Carchitti might be the destination for you.
Physical Geography
Located a short distance from the Castelli Romani, Carchitti boasts a privileged position compared to Palestrina. The settlement is mostly composed of independent and modestly tall buildings and houses around 1793 residents.
Carchitti stands out from the other fractions of the municipality of Palestrina for the presence of hills, typical of the Prenestino landscape, and for the production of the famous Carchitti strawberries.
History
The history of Carchitti dates back to the end of the 19th century, when a group of farmers from Capranica Prenestina moved to this territory downstream of the municipality of Palestrina, more suitable for agriculture. Its name may come from the presence of wild thistles (bastard artichokes) or from a socialist activist of the early 1900s.
Strawberry farming soon became one of the main activities of the new community and is still one of the symbols of the fraction. The city celebrates the strawberry annually with a festival that attracts visitors from all over Italy and beyond.
Infrastructure and Transport
Carchitti is easily accessible from the A1 highway (San Cesareo exit) and State Road 6 Via Casilina (kilometer 33.700). The nearest railway station is Zagarolo Station, while Palestrina Station, less than a kilometer from the settlement, was suppressed in the 1970s.
What to do in Carchitti
In this charming village of Lazio, you will find many outdoor activities to enjoy the unspoiled nature of the area. You can take long walks in the surrounding hills, visit the archaeological site of Palestrina, or participate in the famous Carchitti Strawberry Festival.
The strawberry festival is held every year in May and lasts about a week. During the festival, you can taste delicious local strawberries and discover the gastronomic traditions of the region. There are also live performances, games, and activities for children.
Conclusions
Carchitti is a hidden gem of the Lazio region, with a unique history and a privileged location. If you are looking for an escape from the city and want to discover the beauties of Italian nature, this fraction of Palestrina will definitely fit the bill. Come visit Carchitti and discover all the secrets of this wonderful Italian village!
