Olevano Romano, Italian comune
Olevano Romano is a small village built on a hilltop near Rome, surrounded by rolling hills filled with olive trees and vineyards. The narrow streets are lined with old stone houses, and at the top stands a solid tower from the medieval castle that the Colonna family built.
The site was founded in the 6th century BC and later controlled by Rome. In the 13th century, Oddone Colonna purchased the fortress and built a castle that shaped the village for centuries to come.
The Colonna family shaped the village for centuries and left their mark on its architecture and symbols. Since the 19th century, it has drawn painters who came to capture the surrounding hills and fields.
The village is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Rome and easily accessible by car. The streets are narrow and cobblestone, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring.
The village became a refuge for European painters in the 19th century, including Gustave Doré, known for his illustrations of Dante's Divine Comedy. A museum dedicated to landscape painting holds over two thousand works from artists who were drawn to the scenery.
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