Civita Castellana, Historical commune in Province of Viterbo, Italy.
Civita Castellana is a commune in the Province of Viterbo, Italy, sitting on a volcanic tufa plateau at 145 meters elevation. Deep valleys surround the town in the green countryside north of Rome, giving it an elevated position above the landscape.
The town was called Falerii in ancient times and served as the capital of the Falisci people before Romans conquered the area in 241 BC. After the Roman period, the new settlement grew on the plateau and developed into an important papal stronghold during the Middle Ages.
Santa Maria di Pozzano Cathedral shows a 13th-century portico with fine mosaics and a Cosmatesque floor inside. The church stands in the old town center and still serves as a place for Mass and local celebrations.
Regular trains run between Rome and Civita Castellana, with the journey taking about an hour from Roma Flaminio station. The old town is easy to explore on foot, with streets winding through narrow lanes and opening onto small squares with cafes and shops.
Forte Sangallo is a pentagonal fortress with an octagonal tower that houses a museum displaying archaeological finds from the Faliscan period. The massive walls enclose a wide courtyard now used for events and exhibitions.
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