Roiate
Welcome to Roiate, an ancient village on the hills of Lazio!
Roiate is a small Italian municipality in the metropolitan city of Rome Capitale, in Lazio. With only 648 inhabitants, Roiate is a hidden gem on the western slopes of Mount Scalambra, the final protrusion of the mountain range of the Monti Ernici, rising to 697 meters above sea level.
Physical geography
Roiate offers one of the most beautiful views in central Lazio. It is located on the hills where the watershed of the Sacco and Aniene rivers flows, which separate the region from the rest of the country. The mountainous landscape is stunning to observe, especially from the church dedicated to Saint Benedict of Nursia!
Climate
Roiate has a pleasant climate and is ideal for hiking in nature. The climate classification is zone E, 2430 GR/G.
The history of Roiate
Roiate is an ancient city and there are many remains of mountain settlements and polygonal walls from the Iron Age dating back to the domination of the Sabine and Equi peoples. The mountainous territory offers a panoramic view of the Latin plain and the population of the Ernici. The double-spindle castle, still present in some of the town's architecture, is composed of small streets and open squares around a closed courtyard. The shape of the buildings is like the bow of a ship, placed at the center of the mountaintop on which the town is built.
Saint Benedict of Nursia
According to tradition, the same mountain on which Roiate stands would have hosted Saint Benedict of Nursia. In fact, it is on a rock (170 cm long, 45 cm wide and 40 cm deep) located nearby that there is a large imprint of the saint, left when he was in prayer. Even though it is not an archaeological find, this rock has been an important point for the town since the 4th century, when a church was built that later became a convent of nuns. Although the convent was soon suppressed, the church continued to exist and attract faithful and tourists, as the imprint of Saint Benedict is linked to a particular tradition. In fact, over the centuries it has sweat a fluid that suggested dire omens about the future of humanity. These sweating phenomena have become increasingly rare in recent decades, but the tradition has continued to exist and attract many people to Roiate.
The free municipality
In 313, Roiate became part of the suburban see of Palestrina, from which it depended for ecclesiastical affairs. However, for feudal rights, it was under the territorial abbey of Subiaco, which dealt with administrative and civil matters. In 962, Roiate became a free municipality thanks to the services rendered to Emperor Otto I of Saxony. From this period comes the heraldry of the municipal flag.
Roiate today
Roiate is a quiet and picturesque town, perfect for those who love nature and history. The mountainous landscape, which offers suggestive panoramas of the surrounding hills, is a natural attraction for hikers. In the town, you can admire the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace, as well as the church of Saint Benedict, and the sacred complex of Santa Maria della Serra, a unique example of minor Gothic in Lazio.
Events
Roiate is also known for its themed festivals. One of the most anticipated events is the polenta festival, which takes place every July and attracts many tourists. Returning to the tradition linked to Saint Benedict, every year you can attend the fair of the Saint's imprint, where typical products and souvenirs related to the legend are sold.
Gastronomic notes
You can't talk about Roiate without mentioning its typical products like polenta and goat cheese. The latter is traditionally produced by local families and used in many dishes of the local cuisine. The polenta, on the other hand, is cooked on a copper pan and served with many other delicacies. Even pork meat, prized and very flavorful, is used in many recipes, such as roasts and stews.
Roiate is a place of ancient charm, rich in tradition and history. Ideal for a day trip, where you can discover and admire the beauty of the hills of Lazio!
