Rocca Santo Stefano
Rocca Santo Stefano: an introduction
Hi everyone! Today I will be talking about Rocca Santo Stefano, a municipality in Lazio with a population of 941 inhabitants. Situated in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital, the territory of Rocca Santo Stefano is characterized by a climate of zone E, climatic classification 2325 GR/G. But let's now discover the history and peculiarities of this interesting municipality!
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Rocca Santo Stefano has historical roots that go back in time. The first people who inhabited the area were the Equi, from which the first name of the municipality derived: Rocca D'Equi. Subsequently, groups of citizens moved and founded new settlements, giving rise to a growing community that felt the need to have a center to gather.
Climate
The climate of Rocca Santo Stefano is of zone E, climatic classification 2325 GR/G. This classification guarantees an average annual temperature around 14°C, with cold and rainy winters and hot and dry summers. Although the municipality is not located in mountainous areas, the climate makes it possible to practice outdoor activities throughout the year.
History
The history of Rocca Santo Stefano is fascinating and full of events. The territory was often plundered by the lords of Civitella and by Filippo da Marano, who caused the construction of a small castle on the highest spur of the rock. Around the castle, many houses were built and a lazaretto was built to isolate plague patients.
The community of Rocca Santo Stefano was involved in the struggles sustained by the monks, following the events of the monastery. In 1096, Abbot Giovanni purchased Rocca Santo Stefano, giving Pisoniano in exchange. It was the possession of the abbey according to Papal Bull of Pope Paschal II in 1115. In 1167, Abbot Simone, taken prisoner by Filippo da Marano, was forced to pawn Rocca Santo Stefano to the noble Roman family of the Ceci counts, constituted feudal lords of the abbey. From that moment on, the municipality was officially called Rocca Santo Stefano.
The construction of the church
Over time, the Roccatani exploited by the Ceci counts rebelled and, proud, wanted to assert their opposition to the power of the counts represented by the castle. They decided to build an imposing church near the castle, right where the old church was located. On the left side, they used the pre-existing walls as a base, while on the right they built a retaining wall. This church is now a very important tourist attraction of the municipality.
Conclusions
Here you have it, dear readers, a brief history of Rocca Santo Stefano! The community is rooted in history, from the origins of the Equi to the struggles sustained by the monks. Today Rocca Santo Stefano is a very characteristic municipality of Lazio, with its church representing a world-class tourist attraction. I hope to have transmitted to you the beauty and peculiarity of this unique municipality in its kind!
