CAPRAROLA — 13 MILES
Caprarola is positioned on the southern slopes of Mount Cimini, affording a great view of Tiber River valley below. Despite all the Etruscan settlements in the area, Caprarola was only built around the tenth century. The delay was due to the forests called Selva Cimina, which were tied to terrifying legends of monsters and evil.
Caprarola had its greatest splendor around 1500, with the appointment of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese as Pope Paul III. At that point, the town became the Duchy of Castro, and this increase in status led to an expansion of it’s dominion. Caprarola is also known for hazelnuts, which the locals use to prepare traditional sweets, dots, macaroons, pampepati.
Unless you plan to visit the Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola is more of a drive thru rather than a destination to stop at and spend a lot of time. As you meander along the narrow streets, you’ll get a feel for the town, and at certain points you might want to pull over and check out the views from the upper part of the city.
To learn more, go to summerinitaly.com
