Artena is a charming town in the province of Rome, about 30 kilometers from the capital. A small town of ancient origins perched northwest of the Lepini Mountains, in the upper valley of the Sacco River, with a very interesting historic center of rare beauty. Because of the uniqueness of the historic center and other interesting sights, it is really worth visiting this Latium village that presents itself to tourists as truly amazing.
The historic center of Artena and the Borghese buildings
The village of Artena is very pleasant and singular, in particular the charming little alleys, stairways, and masonry buildings with very small windows, so small that they look like slits, jump to the eyes. Its historic center is a succession of narrow streets and stairways, which is why it is considered one of the rare examples in Lazio that is not accessible to cars. In fact, the houses are accessible only on foot.
The old part of the town is 420 meters above sea level and dominates the surrounding landscape of rolling hills.
The uniqueness of the historic center does not go unnoticed, and in Piazza Cristoforo Colombo in Artena you can see the Palazzo Borghese: a sumptuous complex dating from the 17th century and renovated between 1615 and 1618 at the behest of Scipione Borghese. Today, Palazzo Borghese is privately owned, so access is allowed only with the permission of the owners.
Other buildings constructed during the Borghese period include the Former Borghese Granary, which now houses the Roger Lambrechts Archaeological Museum and the Council Chamber. A place of great historical interest, restored and made accessible to visitors. Inside the museum are various exhibits, often well preserved, related to a Republican Age settlement whose name remains unknown.
What to see in Artena
The beauty of Artena is also found by admiring the architectural beauty of its churches. The Church of Santa Croce, which dominates the surrounding landscape, is one of the village's oldest buildings, built around 1100 in the Baroque style to which two bell towers are also attached. Because of its majestic appearance, the church is visible even from a distance and can be reached by walking down the narrow road that climbs along the village.
Another religious site in Artea is the Convent of the Franciscan Fathers, built at the foot of Mount Foresta at the behest of Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1629. One of the main features of the convent of the Franciscan Fathers is the cloister with seven arches, in the center of which a large ornamental cistern can be appreciated.
It is also impossible not to mention the Church of Santa Maria delle Letizie, the Parish Church of Santo Stefano Protomartire, and the Church of the Rosary.
Local eateries and typical dishes in Artena
After visiting the ancient Latium village and its interesting cultural and historical attractions, an appetite will almost certainly kick in. This should not frighten you because there is no shortage of trattorias, restaurants and agritourisms in Artena, characteristic places where you can try the typical dishes of Latium cuisine. Dishes mostly of meat, vegetables and cold cuts.
Divine and genuine specialties of the Latium territory at very competitive prices. Typical local dishes include gnocco Longo, gnocco di Tritiglio and Polenta pizza.
the municipality is part of:
Comunità Montana dei Monti Lepini "Area Romana"
Municipality
Via Filippo Prosperi, 1 -Â tel: 06 95191020
Among the main events scheduled in Artena, the striking Procession of the Madonnas of Grace steals the show. Every year, on the third Sunday in May, thousands of people with candles in hand crowd the streets of the town, creating an atmosphere of yesteryear.
The Palio delle Contrade is also not to be missed, an event that takes you back in time among folk games and ancient traditions. During the palio, local contrade compete in exciting contests of skill. Framing the event are refreshment stands where you can sample some delicious local specialties.
