Soriano nel Cimino

We survived the long trek getting here yesterday. Waking up to sunshine and the sweet perfume smell of burning olive trees from the nearby houses brought back wonderful memories of our last visit to this medieval town. This photo reminds me of the villages Mackintosh painted in his time in the south of France.

I will be adding some images from our Italian trip on Blipfolio, so please check it out.

The village of Soriano nel Cimino is one of those few remaining places in central Italy that is still unspoiled by the ravages of mass tourism. You can see its history expanding outward from the castle. At the centre, the castle's main tower dates back to Roman-Etruscan times. In 1278, Pope Nicolas III built the castle around the tower, where it became a summer papal getaway. It was during this period that St. Francis of Assisi was recognized by the Catholic church... right here in Soriano.

A small medieval village later sprung up surrounding the castle. As you look beyond the medieval village, you can clearly see something of an outer ring, which was constructed during the renaissance.

Throughout history, Soriano was an important strategic location for its views of the Tiber valley all the way toward Rome. The names that are inscibed in Soriano's history say it all, from the Orsinis and the Borgias, to names such as Dante & Plini the Elder.