Piglio

Piglio is curiously located along a ridge between Monte Scalambra to the northwest and Monte Pila Rocca to the southeast, in one of the most scenic and strategic positions of the Ernici Mountains. The highest point of the town reaches 620 meters where the Castello Colonna stands, while the rest of the village develops "in a spindle shape" with two main roads cutting through the center until reaching the fortress. The area was inhabited by the Ernician populations and could be identified with the Capitulum Hernicum or Hernicorum mentioned by Strabo, located between Olevano and Anagni. After the Roman conquest, the area became the site of several rustic villas of which important remains are still preserved: the so-called "villa of Mecenas" in the locality "Le Fattora", the villa of Sant'Eligio, and that of the locality "Fontana di Grano". The first historical document dates back to 1088, when Pope Urban II mentions the "Castrum Pileum" in his Bull. Legend has it that the name "Pileum" derives from the Roman helmet (pileus) that was torn off by a strong gust of wind from the leader Quinto Fabio Massimo, known as "the Temporeggiatore", while crossing these areas. The helmet is said to have fallen exactly where the town stands today, giving rise to its name. For centuries, Piglio was contested among various noble families. The original castle from the year 1000 was dominated by the families De Antiochia and Colonna through marital alliances. For brief periods, it also belonged to the Borgia and witnessed clashes between the Colonna and the Orsini. The Colonna family settled permanently from 1430 until 1818, when the last heir of the lineage died without leaving male heirs. During World War II, Piglio was bombed by the Allies in 1944, with the destruction of about 30% of the buildings, including a large part of the ancient Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.

What to See Castello Colonna (High Castle) The castle stands at the highest point of the town and dominates the entire Valle del Sacco. Built around the year 1000, it consists of two parts built in different eras with a height difference of about 25 meters. The High Castle was erected to oversee the connecting route between Lazio and Abruzzo that passes through the Altipiani di Arcinazzo, a branch of the Southern Via Francigena. Today it is a private residence, but during the patronal festivities in August, it can be visited during the event "Calici di Stelle" when the castle setting hosts food and wine tastings and astronomical observations.

Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore (of the Assumption) The main church of the town dates back to the late 13th century. It was severely damaged by bombings in 1944 and rebuilt in the post-war period in its original Baroque-like forms. The imposing façade is characterized by two twin bell towers flanking the central rose window and competing with the castle for the privilege of being the most visible element of the town. The interior, with three naves, preserves paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries and an interesting stucco decoration. On one side, the remains of the ogive of an ancient medieval portal can still be seen. From May to October, the statue of the Madonna delle Rose is kept here, which is processed back to her sanctuary on October 31.

Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Rose Built in the 17th century around a Byzantine icon (14th-century fresco), the sanctuary is the spiritual heart of Piglio. The Madonna is venerated for miraculously stopping the plague of 1656 that devastated Ciociaria. Every year, on the day after Pentecost and on October 31, the Festa della Madonna delle Rose is celebrated with a heartfelt procession that takes the statue from the Collegiate Church to the sanctuary. The original Byzantine fresco is of extraordinary beauty.

Church of San Rocco It features a valuable 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna, San Lorenzo, Sant'Antonio Abate, and other saints. The church is linked to the cult of San Rocco, the protector of the plague-stricken.

Historical Center The medieval village develops along the slopes of the mountain with houses built "like fish bones" serving defensive functions in the absence of a proper city wall. The stepped alleys, with houses seeming to rise directly from the rock, suddenly open to beautiful panoramic viewpoints. In Piazza Roma, an elegant arch provides access to the heart of the village where city life takes place. The atmosphere remains authentically medieval, with compact homes overlooking the two lateral channels which served as additional defenses for the castle.

Path of Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II loved to visit Piglio, in the locality of San Biagio, for moments of relaxation and prayer. In his honor, a path of about 1.5 km has been traced that extends into a vast green meadow surrounded by forests. Along the path, there is a statue of the pope at the beginning, a commemorative stele at the Pope's resting place, and a cross where he recited the Angelus. The path is lined with large boulders on which numerous phrases from the Holy Father are inscribed. Traditions and Events

Calici di Stelle (August 10, San Lorenzo): In the setting of Castello Colonna, food and wine tastings take place while watching shooting stars. Sagra dell'Uva "Cesanese di Piglio" (first Sunday in October): The most important festival, with tastings of the precious DOCG wine, cultural visits, and celebration of the grape harvest. Festa della Madonna delle Rose (day after Pentecost and October 31): Solemn procession with the statue of the Madonna. Sagra delle Fettuccine (August, locality Tagliano). International Ski-roll Competition (June): A 15 km route starting from Genazzano crossing Serrone ending in Piglio. It hosted the World Cup in 2009.

Typical Products Piglio is the City of Wine par excellence and the heart of the production area of Cesanese del Piglio DOCG, the first DOCG wine of Lazio (2008). The area boasts a millenary winemaking tradition evidenced by Latin georgics and medieval agricultural contracts preserved in local monasteries. The volcanic soil, the sloping terrain that prevents water stagnation, and the excellent exposure of the vines have made this land perfect for viticulture. Cesanese, with its ruby red color and garnet hues, presents hints of berries (blackberry and blueberry) and is rich and intense on the palate.