Lanuvio

Lanuvio is an historic hillside town south of Rome. Legend says that ancient Lanuvium was founded by Diomede, the Homeric hero. The town prospered under the Roman Empire but was destroyed by the Barbarianas. It was rebuilt in the 11th century aas Civita Lavinia and became an important center for Benedictine monks.

It was enriched by some of the weathly noble families such as the Cesarini and the Colonna. The simple chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie is built of sturdy stone blocks in Romanesque style that hides an ornate interior. There is a Palazzo Baronale built by the Colonna and the Villa Sforza Cesarini which is an archeological site under the shady umbrella pines. The Torre Medievale is a cylindrical tower in two graduated sections with an encircling walkway. Step inside and taste some of the local wines, as it is home to the Consortium Vini Colli Lanuvini, with a tasting room and information on the vintages.

The Lanuvio Museum is in the Piazza della Maddelena and contains Pre-Roman and Roman finds, making it an interesting stop. The Collegiata Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in 1240 but restructured in 1675. It contains Colonna family tombs and some nice paintings.

Lanuvio is host to an annual Festa della Musica every June, and the Festa del Vino in September. The town's fountain spurts wine for the occasion!