The History of
"il Castellaccio"

The "Il Castellaccio" estate is located in the province of Viterbo 60 km from Rome, between Civita Castellana and Corchiano, in the vicinity of the Church  del Soccorso, attributed to Vignola. The name originates from the ruins of a medieval fortification, the castle of Castiglione, also known as Castellaccio.

 

  The property  it covers an area of about 6 hectares, part of the forest and  part hazelnut grove surrounded by a moat. In the property  there are some springs of spring water hidden by vegetation, niches of Faliscan tombs (contemporary inhabitants of the Etruscans) dug into the tuff, numerous tunnels and vents always of Faliscan origin, which cross the basements. In addition to the ruins of the medieval fortification, there are the remains of a rural building and a stable.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The Castellaccio was built by Ranieri di Farolfo on a natural defense consisting of the cliff and protected on three sides by the Cenciano river. It was part of the defenses set up along the Via Amerina. It is assumed that it was built on two levels and the basement where now are the remains of the ancient mill. *

​

  The family, which has owned it since the early 1900s, is evaluating the possibility of giving the farm to those who can redevelop it and restore it to its former glory. The proximity to Rome, the presence of hazelnut groves and the history that reigns in this place are the characteristic elements of the Castellaccio.

​

  How to get there: starting from the church of the Madonna del Soccorso,

take the road in front of the building, under the railway bridge, and continue along the Pianaglioni road. After 500 meters, on the right, near a field of small oaks, there is a path that reaches "Il Castellaccio".

​

* source: M.C. Sciardiglia, Vedute di Corchiano, Davide Galeb editore