Serrone

Serrone owes its name to the "serroni", the steep and rocky slopes of the Central Apennines that characterize the foothills of Monte Scalambra (1,420 m), where the original nucleus of the village arose halfway up the slope. The area was inhabited in pre-Roman times by the Hernici, who established a fortified village in the locality of Lesca as a defensive stronghold for the sacred city of Anagni. The imposing cyclopean walls still visible in the village of San Quirico testify to this ancient origin. In 306 BC, control passed to Rome, but it was only in the 6th century AD that the first stable inhabited settlement was formed on the slopes of the mountain. In 1085, Serrone became a Castrum under the protection of the Abbey of Subiaco. In 1378, Pope Gregory XI granted Serrone as a fief to the Counts of Segni, while from 1427 it became part of the domain of the Colonna family and subsequently of the Principality of Paliano (1569). Walking through the village, one can still breathe the medieval atmosphere, with stone houses climbing up the rocky ridge and the solitary Torre Colonna dominating from above, the last remnant of the ancient medieval fortress destroyed in 1184 and never fully rebuilt.

What to See

Rocca Torre dei Colonna The symbol of Serrone, located in the Parco della Rocca di Torre Colonna (Regional Network of Historical Residences of Lazio). The tower rises on two levels on a rocky outcrop above the historic center. Built in the 11th century, it was destroyed in 1184 along with the Castle of Paliano during the war and was never fully rebuilt. Today it offers a striking panoramic view of the Valle del Sacco.

Church of San Pietro Apostolo Already existing in 1192, the church has undergone numerous restorations and expansions over the centuries, particularly in the 1600s when it was restored by the locals. The interior houses a valuable organ from the 18th century, perfectly preserved, and beautiful frescoes from the 16th century of notable artistic value. The frescoes show surprising similarities to the style of Pinturicchio and the Umbrian school, likely due to the influence of the Colonna family who preferred artists from that school. The main altar piece represents Saint Michael the Archangel and is a fine copy of the famous work by Guido Reni.

Church of San Quirico Located in the eponymous hamlet, this characteristic church dates back to the 1600s and was erected for the Franciscan friars. In March 1650, it was the scene of a mysterious event that was never clarified, which led to its desecration and subsequent blessing. The church is simple yet evocative, immersed in the countryside surrounded by the ancient cyclopean walls from the Hernican era.

Museum of Theatrical Costumes The only permanent exhibition of this kind in Lazio and one of the few in Italy. Situated in the higher part of the village, the museum preserves over 40 original theatrical costumes created by Beatrice Minori (1923-2013), born in Serrone and became a seamstress for RAI TV and the personal seamstress of the great Eduardo De Filippo. The garments, ranging from Renaissance to modern style, were worn by celebrities of the entertainment world such as Vittorio Gassman, Beppe Barra, and, of course, Eduardo himself.

Hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo Located at 1,100 meters, the hermitage rests on a rocky outcrop of Monte Scalambra and seems almost carved into the rock. Legend has it that it was founded by Saint Benedict during a journey to Cassino. Dedicated to the patron saint of the village, it is accessible via a picturesque trail in the woods. In the rock, the imprint traditionally attributed to the devil defeated by the Saint is still visible.

Monte Scalambra and Sanctuary of Madonna della Pace Monte Scalambra (1,420 m) dominates the entire territory. At its summit is the Sanctuary of Madonna della Pace, from which there is a breathtaking panorama of the Valle del Sacco, the Prenestini Mountains, and the Castelli Romani. The massif is dotted with caves and was a passageway for numerous ascetics and followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Today it is a preferred destination for paragliding - Serrone boasts the record for the first launches from Monte Scalambra as early as 1978 - and for trekking. Traditions and Events

Sagra della Patacca e della Passerina (last weekend of July): Celebration of local typical products - the "patacca" (pasta made with water and flour) and the "passerina" (local white wine) Sagra del Cesanese e Palio delle Botti (August 17-25): The most important festival in the village with tastings of Cesanese DOCG wine, music, folklore, and the spectacular barrel race Etnographic Nativity Scene (December 8 - January 6): The longest living nativity scene in Lazio with over 100 life-size statues in Ciociaria costumes populating the streets of the historic center Feast of San Michele Arcangelo (September 29): Patron saint of the village

Typical Products Serrone is part of the DOCG zone of Cesanese del Piglio and also produces the excellent Passerina del Frusinate (white wine). The local cuisine boasts frascatelli (very thick pasta made with water and flour), pizza screscita, and anise doughnuts. The local extra virgin olive oil is of excellent quality. Curiosities Serrone was the first municipality in Lazio to receive the yellow flag "Bicycle-Friendly Municipality" from FIAB (Italian Federation for Environment and Bicycle).