Collevecchio, Town in Rome and Latium, Italy

Collevecchio

According to the legend, the origin of Collevecchio dates back to 1253, when a breve signed by Pope Innocent IV authorized the inhabitants of the marshy and infertile area of Muziano to move towards more salubrious high grounds.

However, when the breve was written, Collevecchio - in Latin called 'Colavetus' - already existed, as witnessed by many local documents, like the taxes regularly paid to the Holy See.

The castle was feud of the Orsini (one of the oldest and longest-lived noble Roman families), from 1368 to the death of Valerio Orsini in 1594. The presence of this influential family is proved by the coat of arms, which was placed on both "Palazzo Apostolico", facing the main square, and the main church's façade.

In 1605, under provisions of Pope Paul V (1605 – 1621), Collevecchio became seat of the government of Sabina. This happened after a slow process of urban and cultural enrichment of the village, thanks to some illustrious citizens, like Blosio Palladio (humanist and outstanding figure in the literary field), who was personal secretary of five Popes and had a close relationship with the Florence of Medici.

Collevecchio, thanks to this long-lasting relationship with the Holy See, hosted important people, specially for the management of the Papal Chamber. The village gradually enriched itself with new buildings and the ancient medieval configuration was substituted by a Renaissance one, that still characterizes the old town centre.

In 1870, Rome was made capital of the Kingdom of Italy: Collevecchio became part of it and, in 1927, it got under the municipality of Rieti.

Collevecchio has plenty of sacred and gentilitial buildings, churches and holy works of art. If you are a holy art lover, you will not be disappointed by the local rich offer:

The ancient chapel of St Pietro.

The collegiate church of Annunziata (end of XII century), with a magnificent portal of XV century, and notable oeuvres.

The Church of Madonna del Rifugio dated at 1586, with one nave and two chapels, one each side.

The church of St Andrea (1614), situated northwards on top of a hill, with paintings attributed to the "Venetian school" dated back to 1500, unfortunately no more in loco.

Church of St Maria del Piano, (built in XIV century and restored many times) inside which you will find gorgeous sixteenth-century frescos portraying the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.

Palazzo Coperchi (XVI century), Palazzo Menichini (XVI century) Palazzo Rosati (XVII century) Palazzo Floridi (XVI century) are just some of the lovely noble buildings built in Collevecchio throughout the ages, all in perfect conditions and full of unmissable works of art.

Events

from the 7th of June: "Agriculture and Barter Fair", with a great exhibition of local products, games and entertainment for your children too;

from the 21st of June: "Sagra della Crostata", where you will taste typical local dessert and enjoy live music until late.

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Fax International: +41 91 220 0877. Fax Italy: +39 089 311 5055. Fax USA & Canada Toll Free: 1 888 883 7172
Email: info@summerinitaly.com

USA & Canada Toll Free: 1 800 509 8194
UK Toll Free: 0 800 047 0248
International: +41 91 220 0567
Italy: +39 089 842 6126
Email: info@summerinitaly.com