Celleno, Italian comune
Celleno is an abandoned commune in the province of Viterbo built on a soft tufa stone hillside about 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level. The village consists of narrow streets, simple stone houses, the Castello Orsini surrounded by a moat, a church from around the year 1000, and remains of several smaller churches, while erosion of the hillside threatens the stability of the older buildings.
Etruscan settlement dates to the seventh century BC, though exact founding details remain unclear. Later the location became a strategic point under Roman control between Orvieto and nearby centers, until landslides and earthquakes in recent centuries caused the village to be abandoned.
The name may derive from Etruscan origins or from underground caves carved into the rock. Today, visitors can walk through narrow streets and see simple stone houses that reveal how people once organized their daily lives in this hillside settlement.
The place is best reached by car from Viterbo using the provincial road S.P. 5 and following signs to the village. It is wise to check with the local town hall before visiting, as accessibility can vary depending on weather and damage, and not all areas may be open to the public.
Archaeological excavations uncovered a rare object called a glirarium, an ancient container used to keep small animals possibly for food or care, offering insight into daily life of ancient residents. Additionally, there are underground caves carved into the rock where ancient people stored wine and worked with tools.
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