Vicovaro, Italian comune
Vicovaro is a small town near Rome sitting on a raised platform about 300 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level in the middle section of the Aniene Valley. The settlement features narrow winding streets with stone buildings, surrounded by green hills and forests, with remnants of Roman walls and structures scattered throughout the older sections.
Vicovaro was established on the ruins of the ancient city of Varia, built by the Italic Aequi people and later incorporated into the Roman Empire. After the Roman period, Varia declined in importance and became a small village, with Christianity gradually spreading through the area via the historic Tiburtina Valeria road.
The name Vicovaro comes from Latin roots like Vicus Varronis or Vicus Vari, suggesting an ancient settlement dedicated to a local figure. People here keep traditions alive through festivals and community gatherings where traditional music, dances, and local dishes connect residents to their shared heritage.
Visitors can reach Vicovaro from Rome by car or bus in less than an hour, with easy exit access from the A24 motorway. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are narrow and often uneven, and explore the village on foot during daylight hours to enjoy the quiet and valley views.
Local stories tell of residents finding Roman coins and pottery fragments while working the fields, suggesting the area was densely inhabited in ancient times. These discoveries hint that Roman secrets still lie buried beneath the current village landscape.
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