Roviano
Roviano: a hidden gem in Lazio
If you want to discover a town that holds hidden treasures, you must visit Roviano, an Italian municipality in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital in Lazio. With its only 1295 inhabitants, Roviano is a small and charming village that overlooks the high Aniene valley and is located on the eastern geographical borders of Lazio with Abruzzo (Marsica).
Territory
Roviano is nestled on a mountain that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Here you can admire the pristine beauty of nature and feel the atmosphere of tranquility that pervades the town. Don't be discouraged by the cool climate of the area: with a windbreaker and a cap, you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
History
But Roviano is not just a place for contemplation of nature. This town has an important history behind it, attested by ancient buildings still visible today. In the territory of the Municipality of Roviano, for example, there was the "Statio Romana" of "Ad Lamnas", built along the consular Valeria Road. This station is also reported on the Tabula Peutingeriana.
From the ninth century to the twelfth century, the town was owned by the territorial Abbey of Subiaco. Subsequently, the castle and numerous baronial possessions were purchased by the Massimo family, lords of the neighboring Arsoli, who then sold it to the Brancaccio family. Finally, the town was acquired by the Municipality in 1979.
Monuments and places of interest
This rich history of historical nuances can be discovered by visiting the monuments and places of interest in Roviano.
Religious Architecture
The Church of S. Giovanni Battista Decollato, originally from the thirteenth century, was expanded several times between 1606 and 1709. Instead, the Church and the Romitorio of S. Maria dell'Oliva, dating back to 867, were perhaps built by the Basilian monks operating in the valley. The latter is located at the entrance junction to the town.
Civil Architecture
Among the other places of interest, there is the Scutonico Bridge, dating back to the Republican period and restored by the Emperor Marcus Cocceius Nerva in 97 AD. The Valeria Road crosses the Aniene River here. The Porta Scaramuccia, built in the second half of the fourteenth century, is worth a visit. Its name is due to a conflict between the people of Roviano and the people of Arsoli. Finally, the Pischera, an ancient fountain built by Alfonso Colonna, is another place to discover in Roviano.
Military Architecture
The Castle of Roviano, originally a fortified fortress built by the Abbey of Subiaco, is another must-see for history buffs. In the centuries that followed, the castle had numerous owners, each of whom made additions and modifications to the original design of the fortress. In addition, the Rovianello or "Castrum Rubianelli", from the medieval period, was destroyed by Muzio Colonna between 1585 and 1590. It is uncertain whether it was an autonomous village or the same medieval town of Roviano, abandoned following the plague epidemics.
Roviano deserves a visit for its history and hidden treasures. Between contemplation of nature and the discovery of historical heritage, this Italian municipality offers an unforgettable experience.
