Valmontone: Art, History and Family Experiences

Art, Architectural History and Traces of the Past

Valmontone showcases its history through art collections, churches, memorial sites and cultural institutions. The Museo di Palazzo Doria Pamphilj includes an art history section with the fresco cycle of the piano nobile, as well as an archaeological section. Art history and archaeology are therefore among the defining themes of the town.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Assunta has an elliptical floor plan. Four chapels are arranged symmetrically along the central axis leading to the altar. The high altar features the Assunzione della Vergine by Lorenzo Gramiccia (1702–1785), created in the mid-18th century. The church was built over a Gothic temple of the same name dating from the 12th century; construction began around 1683. Another architectural trace is Santa Maria delle Grazie: it was built in the Romanesque style from tuff in the 11th century. Its façade has two small blind windows, one of which is decorated with a small arch.

Smaller sites also tell stories of different eras. The Fontana del Colle dates from the second half of the 18th century. After being almost completely destroyed by bombing raids during the Second World War, it was faithfully reconstructed on 2 June 1968 and has become a symbol of Valmontone. In front of the Catacomba di S. Ilario, an open cemetery preserves numerous tombs built into masonry or carved into the rock, dating from the 4th to the 6th century. The Convento Sant’Angelo houses a finger of Saint Anthony of Padua; the monastery was the destination of numerous pilgrimages. Access is also suitable for people with disabilities and is free of charge. Valmontone is also home to an Annunciation painting attributed to Ciro Ferri and dated to the years 1683 to 1689.

Landscape and Getting There

The landscape around Valmontone is predominantly hilly and green. The Sacco River and numerous springs are nearby. To travel by train, Valmontone can be reached from Roma Termini station via the Rome–Cassino line, getting off at Valmontone. By car, the SS Casilina and the A1 motorway towards Naples, with the Valmontone exit, lead to the town.

Planetarium, Stage and Activities for Children

Cultural institutions include the Cosmo Academy Planetarium, with a dome measuring 25 metres in diameter and 236 seats. The Gran Teatro Alberto Sordi serves as a venue for major performances and has 796 seats. The theatre is named after Alberto Sordi; his father Pietro was born in Valmontone and lived there. At MagicLand, Wild Rodeo is described as “Italy’s largest Giant Frisbee”. The Area Tonga covers 30,000 square metres and offers 13 attractions for children.

Festivals and Local Themes

A seasonal highlight is the Sagra dello Gnocchetto a Co’ de Soreca, held annually in Valmontone in mid-June. The Christmas season includes the Presepio Vivente, in which more than 70 participants create the Christmas scenes. When choosing accommodation in Valmontone, you can weigh your preferences among art and architectural history, religious sites, landscapes, the stage, the planetarium, local festivals and activities for children.

Further destinations for planning your trip: Borgo Santa Rita, Ciampino, Nerola, Tre Pontoni, Montelanico, Monterotondo, Gallicano Nel Lazio and Cervara Di Roma.

To the main travel overview: Rome.