Protected by the mass of Mount Soratte and immersed in the Latium countryside, Rignano is the right place to enjoy leisure and relaxation in a lively atmosphere. Arriving by car or train, visitors can start their visit to Rignano from the square in front of the town hall, by walking along Corso Umberto I. The street leads to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, where the 15th-century Rocca Savelli is located, now undergoing restoration. Nearby is a bombard still in working order. Continue along Via Cavour through the medieval part of the town, called 'Vicoli' because it consists of a network of alleyways and narrow streets with tuff houses, as far as the Church of SS Vincenzo and Anastasio.
NOT TO BE MISSED
- Rocca Savelli (Savellli Fortress)
Unfortunately, little remains of the mighty castle built by the Savelli family, but the location of the structure and the layout of the square with fragments and ancient friezes is still impressive. The Fortress later passed into the hands of Cesare Borgia, known as the Valentino, to whom some also attribute ownership of the bombard, a war machine that others date back to the Sack of Rome by the Landsknechts (1527).
- Church of SS Vincenzo and Anastasio
Don't be fooled by the simple façade because inside, this church is rich in works of art. The chapels contain tombs, altars and frescoes mostly from the Renaissance period and the sacristy houses a painting of the Saviour by the Perugino school.
In front of the church stands a square tower (c. 1200), once part of another castle belonging to the Savelli family.
- Church of SS Abbondio and Abbondanzio
Less than 3 km from the centre of Rignano is this church, built on the remains of an earlier temple. The structure has retained its original bell tower, apse and some frescoes on the walls dating back to 1200.
TRADITIONAL DISH
Pizzancotte: thin savoury crepes made with eggs, water and flour and then seasoned with pecorino romano cheese and rolled up.
