Happy TravellerWelcome to Rocca di Papa, a charming town located in the heart of the Castelli Romani, just 25 kilometers southeast of Rome, Italy. Nestled on the Alban Hills, this picturesque comune is surrounded by beautiful countryside, medieval towns, and stunning vineyards. Rocca di Papa is the perfect destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Italian culture, history, and cuisine.
History:
Rocca di Papa has a rich history dating back to the Latine city of Cabum. In the 12th century, the town was named Castrum Rocce de Papa (Rock of the Pope Castle) because Pope Eugene III lived there. However, the castle was destroyed by Pier Luigi Farnese and French troops in 1541. In 1855, the town proclaimed the Rocca di Papa Republic against prince Colonna and the Papal States. The Royal Geodynamic Observatory was built here in 1889 on the top of Rocca di Papa, near the little Church of the Crucified. Between 1922 and 1935, the scientist Guglielmo Marconi carried out several experiments on radio transmission, wireless transmission, and broadcasting from this building. Rocca di Papa was bombed during World War II, destroying the town center, resulting in the deaths of 34 people. The city was liberated from the Nazi German occupation on June 4, 1944, by the 85th Infantry Division of the United States Army. In June 2019, an accidental explosion at the town hall building killed Mayor Emanuele Crestini and another man, while several others were injured.
Main Sights:
Rocca di Papa has many interesting sights to visit. The Papal Fortress, known since medieval times but restored in the current form during the reign of Pope Paul III, is a must-visit destination. The Santuario Madonna del Tufo, Chiesa del Crocefisso, Church of the Assunta, and Fontana della Barcaccia are also popular tourist destinations.
Culture:
Rocca di Papa is a town that celebrates its cultural heritage. The Roast Chestnut Festival, held during the third week-end of October, is the most important festival held in Rocca di Papa. The festival is famous for its roast chestnut (the Rocchicianelle) and wines of Castelli Romani pouring out by stands in the streets of the town. The Geophysical Museum shows scientific data about the inside of the Earth. It has preservation tools and scientific documents of the geology, geography, and terrestrial physics of the Earth. The astronomic observatory Franco Fuligni, located in the frazione of Vivaro, is a public structure available to whoever is interested in astronomy.
Economy:
The economy of Rocca di Papa is mostly based on tourism and agriculture, the latter dominated by wine and vine production.
Sports:
Rocca di Papa is home to the Federal Equestrian Centre of C.O.N.I. – Pratoni del Vivaro. It is situated on a knoll in the center of the communal farm of Domatore. Since 1960, it has been the center of equestrian championships and a meeting place for horse-riders.
Transport:
The alpine style funicular of Rocca di Papa is a must-visit destination. It connected Valle Oscura to Viale Silvio Spaventa and worked on the water-ballast counterbalancing principle, which was also regulated according to the number of passengers. The Valle Oscura funicular was dismantled, and on 28 July 1932, a new electric funicular was inaugurated. Rocca di Papa was also connected to Rome by the Castelli Romani tramway, dismantled in the 1960s and replaced by a bus service. Direct road connection to Rome is provided by the SS511 Anagnina State Road and by the Via dei Laghi. The nearest railway station is that of Frascati.
People:
Rocca di Papa has been home to many famous people, including the Marquis d’Azeglio, Italian statesman, novelist, and painter Massimo Taparelli, sculptor Wilhelm Achtermann, singer and composer Rudy La Scala, writer Luise Rinser, painter Domenico Tojetti, actress Anita Ekberg, pro World of Tanks player Giorgio Paslawski, and founder of the ecumenical Focolare movement Chiara Lubich.
Twin Cities:
Landsberg am Lech, Germany.
Come to Rocca di Papa, Italy, and experience the beauty, culture, and history of this charming town. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or history buff, Rocca di Papa has something for everyone.
