
Vignanello
Home to the magnificent Castello Ruspoli and gardens
Vignanello is a charming medieval town perched on a tufa hill in the Cimini Mountains. The town is dominated by the magnificent Castello Ruspoli, a Renaissance fortress with one of Italy's most beautiful and best-preserved formal Italian gardens.
The castle was built in the 16th century by Ottavia Orsini, niece of Pope Gregory XIII, and later passed to the Ruspoli family through marriage. The perfectly symmetrical garden, designed in 1611, features elaborate box hedges arranged in geometric patterns forming 12 parterres, symbolizing the months of the year. These intricate designs are best viewed from the castle's windows above.
The historic center of Vignanello preserves its medieval character with narrow winding streets, stone houses, and small squares. The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione, with its impressive bell tower, is another notable monument.
Vignanello is also known for its wine production, particularly the DOC Vignanello white wine made from local grape varieties. The volcanic soil of the region creates ideal conditions for viticulture, and the town celebrates its wine heritage with the annual "Festa del Vino" in October.
The surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and chestnut forests, with panoramic views of the Tiber Valley. Despite its significant historical and cultural attractions, Vignanello remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, offering visitors an authentic experience of rural Italian life.
Gallery



Highlights
- 1Castello Ruspoli - Renaissance fortress with perfectly preserved formal gardens
- 2Italian Gardens - Geometric box hedges arranged in 12 parterres
- 3Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione - Historic church with impressive bell tower
- 4Medieval Town Center - Narrow streets and traditional stone houses
- 5Local Vineyards - Producing the DOC Vignanello white wine
Location
Vignanello is located at coordinates: 42.3667, 12.3
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