Sant'angelo
Sant'Angelo Romano: a municipality on the peaks of the Monti Cornicolani
Sant'Angelo Romano is a municipality in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital, inhabited by about 4828 people. This small town sits atop Monte Patulo, about 400 meters above sea level, and its name is a tribute to Saint Michael, the archangel. Sant'Angelo Romano is approximately 23.7 km from Rome, making it the closest municipality to the city without being adjacent to it. The Pratolungo, a small tributary of the Aniene, also originates within the municipal territory. In this article, we will discuss the history, symbols, climate, and monuments of the municipality.
Physical Geography
Territory
Sant'Angelo Romano is located on Monte Patulo (400 meters above sea level), situated amongst the Monti Cornicolani. This elevated position makes it an excellent destination for those wishing to hike the mountains. The surrounding terrain is rich with greenery and woods.
Climate
Sant'Angelo Romano's climate is Mediterranean with moderate rainfall throughout the year and very little in the summer months. The average temperature does not differ much from that of Rome, and the municipality falls within the D zone, 1928 GR/G, of the climate classification.
History
The origins of Sant'Angelo Romano are uncertain, and some historians have associated it with the disappeared city of Medullia, located in ancient Latium. Nonetheless, its history begins to come into focus with the construction of the fortress in the 11th century, surrounded by a defensive wall, during the period when it belonged to the Capocci family.
After them, the Orsini family turned it into a fortified castle. In 1594, the fiefdom passed to Federico Cesi, and it was thanks to them that Sant'Angelo Romano enjoyed its period of maximum splendor. In 1612, Pope Paul V established it as a principality with Federico Cesi as the head. Cesi was also the founder of the renowned Accademia dei Lincei, the oldest in Italy, headquartered in the capital.
In 1678, the castle and the fiefdom were transferred to the Borghese family, who continued to maintain its status as a principality. In 1885, the town assumed its current name through the Royal Decree Law no. 3150 of May 28, 1885, abolishing the previous Sant'Angelo in Capoccia. In 1989, the municipality acquired the castle, and in 1993, restoration and renovation work began to open it to the public.
Symbols
Sant'Angelo Romano's municipal coat of arms consists of a silver background, with Saint Michael dressed in red, piercing a green dragon with a spear, all on a blue backdrop. The banner is a billety white and red tassel.
Monuments and Points of Interest
Religious architecture
The parish church of Maria and San Biagio, the bishop and martyr, is one of the main worship sites in Sant'Angelo Romano. Constructed in 1759, to replace the previous parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Angels, it was consecrated on June 19, 1759, and has undergone further restoration work in 1863 and 1976.
The castle
The Castle of Sant'Angelo Romano, dating back to the 11th century, is the municipality's most significant place of interest. After being acquired by the municipality in 1989, it underwent long restoration work before opening to the public in 1993. Now, it hosts exhibitions and concerts, while also offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding terrain.
The panorama
Sant'Angelo Romano offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding hills and the Monti Cornicolani. Hikers can explore the trails that traverse these areas, offering an incredible view of the Tiber valley.
The fountain
The Sant'Angelo Romano fountain was constructed in the 18th century and is located in the main square of the town. It is a place where people gather to enjoy the refreshing clear water that it offers.
Conclusion
Sant'Angelo Romano is a fascinating municipality with a long and eventful history. Its elevated position on the peaks of the Monti Cornicolani makes it an excellent destination for hiking and nature walks while offering a spectacular landscape view. The castle is definitely a must-visit, especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. In any case, this small municipality has a lot to offer, and we recommend visiting it if you're in Rome.
