Scandriglia
Scandriglia: the small but precious gem of the Rieti province
Scandriglia is a municipality of just over 3,000 inhabitants located in the province of Rieti, in Lazio. It stands on the slopes of the Lucretili mountains, at an altitude of 535 meters above sea level. The municipal area includes important architectural works of historical and cultural value, which make it an unmissable destination for art and culture lovers.
Territory
Scandriglia is located at the foot of the Lucretili mountains, a mountain range that extends between Lazio and Umbria. The territory includes the peaks of Monte Pellecchia, Cima di Coppi, Cima Casarene, and Monte Serrapopolo, the latter being a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts.
The climate of Scandriglia is classified as zone E, 2338 GR/G, which predicts a temperate and humid climate.
History
The history of Scandriglia dates back to ancient Rome, as evidenced by the writings of the orator and politician Marcus Tullius Cicero, who mentions it for the industry of its inhabitants. During the Roman period, the area was an agricultural estate of the senatorial family of the Scandilliis, from which the current name derives.
The city suffered from barbarian invasions and, in the 9th and 10th centuries, also from the Saracens, who settled in the territory of Scandriglia. It was during this period that the city castle was built, which aimed to accommodate the inhabitants fleeing from the disorder that characterized the valley.
In 1084, Scandriglia was under the domain of Count Erbeo, who later donated it to the monastery of Farfa. Subsequently, it passed into the hands of the Orsini family, who were the lords of the nearby Nerola. From 1359, Scandriglia was under the control of the Orsinis until its cession to the Apostolic Camera in 1639. Later, it became part of the Papal States and, after the unification of Italy, passed to the province of Perugia and then to that of Rome.
Symbols and honors
The Municipality of Scandriglia has a medieval tower as its symbol on a red and blue background, flanked by the initials "S" and "B", which represent Santa Barbara, the patron saint of Scandriglia. The gonfalon is a white cloth adorned with silver embroideries.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the main monuments of Scandriglia is the Church of the Assumption, built in the 10th century and then restored in the eighteenth century. In its interior, there are several paintings from the 16th century and a polychrome wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child. The church bell tower was built on the basis of a Roman watchtower.
Equally important is the Rocca, a typical example of the medieval era, located near the Church. Equally interesting is the Palazzo degli Anguillara, built in the fifteenth century and belonging to the Renaissance style, with some late Gothic insertions and frescoes made by the painters of the Antoniazzo Romano school.
Also not to be missed is the hamlet of Ponticelli Sabino, where the Church of Santa Maria del Colle stands, built in the thirteenth century, characterized by a Romanesque façade and important historical testimonies from the past.
In conclusion, Scandriglia is a hidden gem that, while not being the biggest or most famous city, offers an unforgettable experience for history and culture enthusiasts. You can fully enjoy the beauty of the area on a hike immersed in nature, choosing one of the many available routes. Come and discover Scandriglia, a pearl set among the beauties of Lazio and Umbria!
