🏰 Carbognano – The Small Village of the Cimini Mountains

Giano di Vico
Aug 22
2 min read

🏰 Carbognano – The Small Village of the Cimini Mountains

🌳 Location and Landscape

Nestled on the hills of Viterbo, at the foot of the Cimini Mountains and not far from Lake Vico, Carbognano is a village that blends landscape and memory.

Surrounded by centuries-old chestnut groves, hazelnut trees, beeches, and oaks, it is the perfect destination for slow tourism and trails immersed in nature. 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️

🕰️ Name Origins and Legends

The name “Carbognano” is shrouded in mystery and has inspired several fascinating theories:

⛩️ A temple to Janus called Ara Jani → Arignano → Carbognano
🏛️ A Roman villa owned by the patrician Carbilio
📜 A Roman family named Carbones, mentioned by Tacitus
🔥 The charcoal pits that once filled the surrounding woods

👉 In medieval documents, it also appears as Corvignanum or Carmignano, as attested by a papal bull of Eugene IV(1443).

📜 History and Ruling Powers

🏺 Etruscan and Roman traces, proof of the village’s strategic position.
📖 From the year 1000, under the Abbey of Farfa.
⚔️ 14th century → ruled by the Prefects of Vico, then the Papal States.
👑 1494: Pope Alexander VI donated it to Orsino Orsini and his wife, the famous Giulia Farnese, who lived here until 1522.
⚜️ Later passed to the Colonna Barberini di Sciarra family, who held it until 1870.

🏛️ Monuments and Landmarks

🏯 Orsini-Colonna Castle

The heart of the village, dominating the historic center with its towers and Farnese coats of arms. Inside, frescoes and symbols linked to Giulia Farnese, including the famous unicorn.

⛪ Main Churches

✝️ Collegiate Church of San Pietro (1773–1796): elegant classical façade, connected to the castle.
🎨 San Filippo Neri (1636, baroque): frescoes depicting the saint’s life.
🌸 Santa Maria della Valle: preserves a Renaissance fresco by Pastura.
🙏 Sant’Anna (18th century): built by the people, located beneath the castle.

🏰 Other Historic Sites

🏛️ Baronial Palace: Renaissance building with medieval traces.
💧 Historic Fountain: near the town hall, bearing the coat of arms of Carbognano surmounted by a princely crown.

🎭 Events and Traditions

🎉 Feast of San Filippo Neri – May 26th
Patronal festival with processions, religious events, and community celebrations.

🚴 Environment and Itineraries

Carbognano is an ideal starting point for nature excursions:

🌲 Walks among chestnut and hazelnut groves
🚵‍♂️ Trekking and gravel bike routes
🌋 Volcanic hills of the Cimini Mountains, rich in stunning views

📌 Quick Overview

🏷️ Aspect	✨ Key Details
📍 Location & Nature	Medieval village between the Cimini Mountains and Lake Vico
🕰️ Name Origins	Temple of Janus, Carbilio/Carbones family, charcoal pits
📖 History	Etruscans, Romans, Abbey of Farfa, Farnese, Orsini, Colonna Barberini
🏛️ Monuments	Orsini-Colonna Castle, San Pietro, San Filippo Neri, Santa Maria della Valle, Sant’Anna, Baronial Palace
🎉 Events	Feast of San Filippo Neri (May 26th)
🌳 Outdoor	Trekking, cycling, excursions through woods and hills