Ronciglione, Medieval commune in Province of Viterbo, Italy.
Ronciglione is a commune in the Province of Viterbo that sits on a hilltop 441 meters (1,447 feet) above sea level, surrounded by deep gorges. The settlement offers views across the Cimini mountains and Lake Vico, with narrow alleys winding between stone houses.
The settlement was founded around 1045 by the Prefects of Vico, who controlled the area as a fortified outpost. Under Farnese rule in the 16th century, the town developed into a center for copper and iron working.
The annual Carnival celebration transforms the streets into a colorful spectacle, where each of the nine districts displays its identity through parades and competitions. Local craftspeople still make masks and costumes following traditional patterns that connect generations.
Access follows the SS2 Cassia road, which runs about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Viterbo and provides a direct link to Rome. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the alleys are sometimes steep and cover uneven pavement.
The riderless horse race dates back to 1465 and remains a central event during Carnival. Each of the nine districts sends one horse that gallops freely through the main street, while spectators cheer their favorites.
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