Ronciglione

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Ronciglione-Stemma.png

image_caption=A view of the medieeval burg of Ronciglione.
official_name = Comune di Ronciglione
region = Lazio
province = Viterbo (VT)
elevation_m = 441
area_total_km2 = 52.28
population_as_of = December 31, 2004
population_total = 8177
population_density_km2 = 143
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|42|17|N|12|12|E
frazioni = Lago di Vico
name=Ronciglione
mapx=42.38|mapy=12.25
telephone = 0761
postalcode = 01037
gentilic = Rinciglionesi
saint = St. Bartholomew
day = August 24
mayor = Alfredo Giancarlo Bianchini
website = [http://www.comune.ronciglione.vt.it www.comune.ronciglione.vt.it]

Ronciglione is a city in the province of Viterbo, Lazio (central Italy), c. 20 km from Viterbo. The city is located in the Cimini mountains, over two tuff scarps, on the SE slope of the former volcano crater now housing the Vico's Lake.

The city's economy is based largely on agriculture, with production of nuts, chestnuts and wine.

History

The most ancient document mentioning Ronciglione dates to 1103. An historian from 16th century Orvieto set its foundation around 1045, due to the Prefetti of Vico. Later it was a possession of the Anguillara, a Guelph family of Rome. Pope Paul II conquered it to the Papal States in 1465.

In 1526 Ronciglione became a possession of the Farnese, and lived its period of greatest splendour: its industries included manifactures of copper, iron, paper, weapons and others. Ended in 1649 the Farnese seignory and bought back by Pope Innocent X, in 1728 it received the status of city by Pope Benedict XIII.

The Ronciglionesi took active part in the Roman Republic of 1798-1799: the French troops, however, crushed the revolt and burnt the city on July 20, 1799.

Main sights

Ronciglione has one of the most beautiful mediaeval burgs of central Italy.

The city monuments include:
* The "Castle", originally built in the High Middle Ages, with the characteristic angle rounded towers.
* The "Cathedral", a Baroque edifice designed by Pietro da Cortona, rebuilt by Carlo Rainaldi between 1671 and 1695. The bell tower is from 1734. It houses a "Tryptych of Christ" by the Viterbese painter Gabriele di Francesco (15th century).
* The church of "Santa Maria della Provvidenza" (11th century), restored in Baroque style, although still retaining a three-floors Romanesque belfry. The interior, with a single nave, houses some frescoes from th 15th century.
* The ruins of the church of "St. Andrew" (12th-13th centuries), with a notable belfry from 1436.* Church of "Santa Maria della Pace", began in 1581 and variously attributed to Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola or Rainaldi. It houses paintings by Sebastiano Conca, Cavalier D'Arpino and a tabernacle by Sansovino.
* The suggestive basilica church of "Sant'Eusebio", along the Via Cassia, 3 km in direction of Rome. Located on a wide alture, it was built by monks ascpaed from Palestine in the 7th and 8th centuries. Traces of the ancient coenoby and the belfry can still be seen. The interior of the current edifice has a nave with aisles of irregular dimensions, with 12th-13th centuries frescoes and a "Madonna with Child" from the 15th century. It is dedicated to St. Eusebius, bishop of Sutri which is nearby.

Villa Lina. A Villa built by Ulisse Igliori for his wife Lina in 1928 and currently owned and magnificently operated as a Luxury Bed and Breakfast. It has stunning Botanicals gardens and is a must see on a trip through the true Roman Countryside.

Culture

Ronciglione is famous for its Carnival, one of the most important in the Lazio. It was born as a derivative of the Renaissance Carnival of Rome. It has typical "empty races" in which the horses are left to run without riders. The cities are divided into 9 contrades which contend for the "Palio of the Manna".

Villa Lina. A Villa built by Ulisse Igliori for his wife Lina in 1928 and currently owned and magnificently operated as a Luxury Bed and Breakfast. It has stunning Botanicals gardens and is a must see on a trip through the true Roman Countryside.

External links

* [http://www.discoversoriano.com/festivals/february/ronciglione---carnevale.html A Page on DiscoverSoriano with information obout Ronciglione's Carnival]
* [http://www.carnevale-ronciglione.it/ Carnival of Ronciglione]
* [http://www.ronciglione-crs.it/ Ronciglione Studies Centre]