Monterotondo, Historic commune in Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy.
Monterotondo is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Rome that spreads across a hill 165 meters (541 feet) above sea level. The town connects residential neighborhoods with parks and public buildings that range from the old center to newer districts.
The settlement formed in the 10th century from the ancient Sabine town of Eretum and later became a defensive post along the Via Salaria. The Orsini family controlled the area for centuries, shaping its growth with castles and palaces.
The town's name combines "monte" for mountain and "rotondo" for round, describing the hill where the old center sits. Local residents still gather in the main piazza, where bars and shops maintain their traditional role as meeting points.
The town sits about 21 kilometers (13 miles) northeast of Rome and can be reached through regional rail connections. Visitors can explore the old center on foot, while newer neighborhoods spread across flatter ground.
The town hosts a research facility of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory focused on mouse genetics. Scientists from different countries work here on epigenetics and neurobiology studies.
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