🏰 Roccalvecce: Between Castles, Gullies, and Fairy Tales – The Village That Rewrote Its Own Story

Giano di Vico
May 21
3 min read

🏰 Roccalvecce: Between Castles, Gullies, and Fairy Tales – The Village That Rewrote Its Own Story

Hidden among the folds of the Valley of the Gullies, surrounded by hills, silence, and forgotten stories, Roccalvecce is a village that seems pulled from the pages of a book.And in a way—it truly is.This small town in the Viterbo Tuscia, with Etruscan roots and a medieval silhouette, has found new life through art, imagination, and memory.

Today, it's known as The Fairy Tale Village.But to understand it fully, you must begin from much further back.

🗿 Origins: From Roman Castrum to Stronghold on the Tiber

The earliest signs of life in Roccalvecce date back to the 8th–7th century BC, in Etruscan times.The rock-cut tombs found in the area confirm the presence of a stable settlement, most likely tied to the great centers of Tarquinia and Civita di Bagnoregio.

Later, under Roman rule, Roccalvecce became a castrum—a small fortification along the Tiber River, a natural crossroads between Etruria, Umbria, and Lazio.

To this day, portions of opus reticulatum—a typical Roman construction technique—can still be seen at the base of the castle, proving that beneath the medieval stones lies a deeper and older story.

⚔️ From the Middle Ages to the Great Noble Families

The name "Rocca del Veccio" appears for the first time in medieval documents.It may derive from the name of its founder, a military leader—or from an ancient local designation.

Another fascinating theory suggests “Roccalvecce” may come from “Rocca Helvetica”, in memory of a Swiss guard outpost stationed there to defend the border between the Papal States and the Republic of Siena.

Over the centuries, the castle and surrounding lands passed between some of the most powerful families of Central Italy:

The Monaldeschi of Bagnorea
The Gatti of Viterbo
The Colonna
The Chigi

From the 1600s, the castle passed to the Costaguti family, who still reside there today—a rare fact that makes Roccalvecce one of the last villages in Lazio still inhabited by its original noble family.

🏰 The Castle and Village: Stone, History, and Silence

At the heart of Roccalvecce stands the Costaguti Castle, an imposing structure overlooking the village and the surrounding valley.

Built on Roman foundations, expanded in medieval times, and modified in the Renaissance, the castle is a private residence, but visible from the outside and frequently photographed by visitors.

Next to the castle is the Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, a small gem of spirituality and architecture.The old town is filled with tuff houses, perfectly integrated into the landscape, nestled between narrow alleys that rise and fall like a spinal cord of memory.

🎨 The Fairy Tale Village: Art, Rebirth, and Imagination

Since 2016, Roccalvecce has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to the project “Il Paese delle Fiabe”, conceived by Gianluca and Paola Chiovelli and developed with ACAS Association.

In Roccalvecce and its hamlet Sant’Angelo, murals, mosaics, sculptures, and installations have been created, all inspired by classic children’s literature.

🌈 Today, there are more than 36 works of urban art, including:

Alice in Wonderland
Pinocchio
The Sword in the Stone
Hansel and Gretel
Don Quixote
The Little Prince
The Jungle Book

This project turned a nearly forgotten village into a national tourist destination, attracting families, artists, journalists, photographers, and curious travelers.

But most importantly, it restored pride and identity to the entire community.

🌿 Between Nature, Community, and Tradition

Beyond art and history, Roccalvecce is also land, agriculture, and community.

Each summer, the Cherry Festival in Sant’Angelo brings together food stalls, music, games, and—of course—local delicacies.

The local cuisine is simple, honest, and heartfelt:

Handmade pasta
Mushrooms and wild boar
Chestnut desserts
Cherries, jams, and tarts
Wines and olive oil from the Valley of the Gullies

The village trattorias and cultural initiatives like the “Roccalvecce a Colori” exhibition enhance the creativity and sense of belonging among the residents.

🧭 What to See in Roccalvecce

✔️ The Costaguti Castle (exteriors)✔️ The Church of Santa Maria della Rocca✔️ The murals and fairy tale artworks✔️ The trekking trails in the Valley of the Gullies✔️ The Medieval Path to Celleno✔️ The Fairy Tale Castle Trail

✨ Conclusion: A Village That Chose Fantasy to Rewrite Its Future

Roccalvecce is more than just a village to visit.It is a universal message: rebirth is possible through culture, beauty, and imagination.

From Roman foundations to medieval castles, from murals to peasant traditions, every corner of this village tells a story of resilience and creativity.