Sant'Oreste
Welcome to Sant'Oreste: a brief guide to the city
If you're looking for an authentic experience outside of the usual tourist destinations, Sant'Oreste could be the right place for you. With just over 3600 inhabitants, this town located in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital, in Lazio, is the perfect place to discover the beauty and history of Italy.
A dip into the physical geography of Sant'Oreste
Sant'Oreste is located on a low crest of Monte Soratte, a mesozoic ridge of the Tiber Valley. The historic center is located at the foot of this equestrian relief, which offers an invaluable natural spectacle.
The climate of the municipality is classified as zone E, 2209 GR/G. This means that summers can be quite hot, but the climate is generally pleasant and mild throughout the year.
A bit of history about Sant'Oreste
Sant'Oreste was originally part of the Capenati territory, an Italic population that flourished in Lazio before the advent of Rome. To the current municipalities of Capena, Civitella San Paolo, Morlupo, Fiano, Nazzano, Ponzano, Filacciano, Torrita, Rignano, Sant'Oreste, Castelnuovo di Porto and Riano, our municipality is also added.
The Monte Soratte, overlooking Sant'Oreste, was probably worshiped by the Capenati populations with the name of Soranus. Later, the ancient Romans identified the god with Apollo or Dis Pater. Gaius Plinius Secundus tells us that the worship of the god of Monte Soratte was celebrated by the families of the Hirpi Sorani (or "wolves of Soranus"), who walked on burning coals in honor of the god. Even Publius Vergilius Maro, in his Aeneid, refers to Soratte as "sacred" and speaks of the practice of walking on burning coals.
After several conquests by Rome, the Capenate territory was assigned, in 387 BC, to the Stellatina tribe, and its capital, Capena, became an important federated Roman municipality. In the Sorattese territory, there are numerous remains of Roman villas, including those of one with baths, frescoes, and mosaic floors found in the "Giardino" locality in Sant'Oreste.
The medieval history of Sant'Oreste
According to a legend reported in the 5th century in the Actus Silvestri, Pope Silvester I took refuge on Mount Soratte to escape the persecutions of Constantine I. In memory of this legendary event, probably in the 6th century, the monastery dedicated to this pontiff was founded on the top of the mountain.
Conclusions: what can we expect if we visit Sant'Oreste?
If you decide to visit Sant'Oreste, you will find a place rich in history and Italian atmosphere. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Monte Soratte, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Tiber Valley. You can stroll through the streets of the historic center of Sant'Oreste, breathe in the air of an authentic Italy, and enjoy spectacular panoramas along the trails of Monte Soratte. You will be immersed in ancient and medieval history and you can discover the secrets that are hidden in the streets and alleys of this ancient municipality.
What are you waiting for to come and visit Sant'Oreste? We are ready to welcome you with open arms.
