Paliano

Paliano is situated on a tuff rock that overlooks the Sacco Valley, nestled between the Prenestini and Ernici Mountains. Its origins date back to Roman times when there was a Massa Pulliani belonging to the papal estates. The ancient settlement was transformed into a castle around the 11th century under the name of Castellum Pallianus and placed under the control of the Abbey of Subiaco. In 1184, during the War of Tusculum, the fortress was destroyed and set on fire by the militias of the Roman Senate. It was revived thanks to the intervention of Pope Honorius III and Pope Gregory IX, who in 1232 surrounded it with a moat, high walls, and an extremely tall square watchtower, turning it into one of the main papal strongholds in southern Lazio. The period of greatest splendor began in 1425 when Pope Martin V Colonna invested his nephews with the title of feudal lords of Paliano. But true glory came with Marcantonio II Colonna, commander of the papal fleet in the famous Battle of Lepanto in 1571, who defeated the Turks, saving Europe from the Ottoman invasion. For this, Pope Pius V elevated him to Prince of Paliano in 1569, and the castle was transformed into an imposing Renaissance fortress.

What to See The Colonna Fortress An undisputed symbol of the city, the fortress was built in the second half of the 16th century following the most modern techniques of 16th-century military architecture. Designed by engineers like Giovanni Sallustio Peruzzi, it is surrounded by powerful bastions and towers. Inside the princely apartment, there are two small rooms with frescoed ceilings depicting grotesques, ancient medallions, and floral decorations. The most important painting cycle, dated 1572-73 and attributed to Triburzio Spannocchi and Paolo Veneziano from Tagliacozzo, depicts the triumphant entrance of Marcantonio Colonna into Rome after the victory at Lepanto. Since 1844, the fortress has housed a prison, first papal and today of maximum security.

Collegiate Church of Sant'Andrea Built at the behest of Marcantonio II Colonna in the 16th century and completed by his nephew Filippo I in the 17th century, the Collegiate is closely tied to the Colonna family. The church preserves in its underground crypt the funerary monuments of the family, including that of Filippo I’s mother, Anna Borromeo, and his wife, Lucrezia Tomacelli. The Baroque façade, designed by the family architect Antonio Del Grande, is tripartite and perfectly integrated with the adjacent Colonna Ducal Palace.

Colonna Ducal Palace Built in 1620 at the behest of Filippo I Colonna, the palace is attached to the Collegiate Church of Sant'Andrea and represents the highest example of noble architecture in the area. It served as the country residence of the main branch of the Colonna family until 1818. Today it hosts cultural events and concerts, and it can be visited by reservation.

Historic Center and Castle Walls The walls surrounding the city date back to 1232 and stretch for 2.5 km enclosing the entire historic center. Two of the ancient gates are still visible today: the Napoletana Gate and the Romana Gate, the latter decorated with a precious Renaissance frame. Strolling through the village, one can admire numerous historic buildings such as Palazzo Picchia (15th century), Palazzo d'Ottavi (18th century), and Palazzo Petrarca.

The Selva di Paliano A botanical and ornithological oasis with numerous artificial ponds created through a vast canal system. It is an ideal destination for nature walks and birdwatching, where various species of waterfowl can be observed. Traditions and Events

Palio dell'Assunta (Assumption Day): Historical reenactment of the victory at Lepanto with a parade in Renaissance costumes. Vino in Festa (second Sunday of July): Celebration of Cesanese wine with tastings. Infiorata del Corpus Domini: Artistic floral carpets along the streets of the center. Sagra delle Pesche (end of August)

Typical Products Paliano is an integral part of the Cesanese del Piglio DOCG production area. The territory also produces excellent extra virgin olive oil and preserves the tradition of artisanal bread and Ciociari sweets.