C.so Regina Margherita 137 - Tel. 0763710072 - castello.proceno@orvienet.it - www.castellodiproceno.it
CIN Codice Identificativo Nazionale IT056044B4UBX2NK6
While travelling along the valley of the Paglia River, one reaches Proceno, the first town of Lazio that for centuries marked the boundary between the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Dating back 2700 years to its original Etruscan inhabitants, Proceno sits in the centre of Tuscia, looming over the Via Cassia, principal route for all commercial, cultural and religious communications for nearly 2000 years. Below
Proceno and the nearby castles of Radicofani, built by Ghino di Tacco, and Torre Alfina lies the valley of the Paglia River, with Mount Amiata in the background.
Today, Proceno is at the heart of a network of ancient roads that connect it with the most important cities and historical centres of central Italy. Erected on the peak of an extinct volcano, Proceno is surrounded by woods and green valleys, where agriculture is still an important way of life and vestiges of past civilisations remain.
The shield of Proceno depicts principal events in its history: a wild boar—commemorating the legend of the Etruscan king Porsenna's founding the village after being wounded by a wild boar here, St. Peter's keys—denoting its place in the Papal States; a half moon—honouring Proceno's participation in the Battle of Lepanto against the Turkish navy during the Crusades.
Pilgrims on the road to Rome travelled through Proceno on the Via Francigena, for years the most important trade and communications route between northern and southern Europe, a fertile territory for cultural exchange.
Monuments, artistic treasures, splendid cathedrals, villas and magnificent gardens enriched the principal cities along the journey. On this road, people from all over Europe have for centuries met in peace, recognising in each other fellow members of a unique culture.
The Castello di Proceno is a rare example of a medieval fortification surviving in its original state. With its charming accommodations and wonderful hospitality, it is a great place to breathe history and culture without renouncing all the comforts of home.
While spending your vacation time with us, you will delight in nature, literature, and the arts and gain a better understanding of the ancient history that this part of Italy is famous for.
