Cineto Romano, formerly Scarpa until March 28th, 1884, is a small town in the province of Rome located in the valley of the Ferrata torrent.
The inhabited center rises on the foothills of the Lucretili Mountains in the Aniene Valley. The hilly municipal area is crossed by various small-scale and highly seasonal watercourses, including the Fosso della Scarpa and the Rioscuro, famous for its waterfalls, whose waters flow into the Ferrata torrent, in the underground part, a tributary of the Aniene.
The charming town of Cineto Romano offers a wealth of sights, activities, and culinary experiences for visitors to enjoy.
One of the major sights in Cineto Romano is the baronial Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and was once a fief of the Orsini and Borghese families. The castle, which has been beautifully preserved, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for visitors to take in the sights and learn about the town’s history.
The Castle Apartment
It is precisely inside this castle where you’ll find this lovely and affordable 100m (1,079 sq ft) apartment with sweeping views over the valley and the mountains beyond.
The apartment is all on one floor and comprises a large entrance hall, a living room, an eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms, a bathroom, and a closet. The flat is luminous, with very tall ceilings and unique architectural features such as a fireplace. This home can become your fairytale palace with some TLC and vintage furnishings. The price is €70K–a fantastic value. The views out of those windows are simply divine!
Can you picture living in this historic castle?
I sure can.
Just look at that beautiful entrance! Wow.
This low-maintenance apartment is perfect as a main residence or a second home. The ultra-broadband network also covers the city, which delivers GIGA FIBER to every home. So yes, you can work remotely from your castle residence and never miss a beat.
This place is in the center of town and within walking distance of all the amenities. Cineto Romano is a village of about 600 people, yet it boasts several highly-rated restaurants, bars, and pizzerias, such as Il Oliveto, where you can dine by a cozy fire and feast on an assortment of local dishes. Housed in a noble villa, this agriturismo serves authentic fare made with foraged wild mushrooms and white truffles. Homemade pasta, locally cured meats, cheeses, and specialties such as “Sagne” al farro are pappardelle with spelt flour seasoned with oil, garlic, tomato, and chili pepper, will make your heart sing. Did I mention it’s also a frantoio where you can taste freshly pressed olive oil?
Cineto Romano also has a post office, a pharmacy, and a bakery. The closest train station is 10 minutes away by car or bus. The train to Rome takes approximately an hour and a half.
The village is also home to the patronal feast of San Giovanni Battista in August.
This tiny town exudes peace and tranquility and loads of Italian charm. But if you ever find yourself craving the big city, Rome is less than an hour away, making trips to other European capitals cheap and easy.
The town also has a large, free parking lot, making it very convenient for those traveling by car.
If hiking/trekking is your passion, the waterfalls of the Rioscuro stream are breathtaking. Fairy pools, refreshing forest streams, shady glens, and ferny hiking trails await.
Did I not mention this was a fairytale of an opportunity?
What are you waiting for?
Contact the listing agent today.
History of the Orsini Castle in Cineto Romano
This home comes with a lot of history. Imposing and superb, the baronial palace of Scarpa towers over the valley from the high cliff. Visitors to the castle ascend via a wide staircase that leads to the ancient guard post turret upon which hangs the civic bell. In the 15th century, the bell was replaced, and the enormous communal clock was installed. Both can still be admired today.
Passing through a small square, where an old fountain gushes artisanal water, stands the grand rustic door that leads to the internal courtyard. A stone seal atop the old portal reads 1556: “Ostium no. Hostium,” which translates, “Not the gate of enemies.” Perhaps this is the original “Speak Friend and Enter!”
The visitor who wanders within these austere walls is driven almost unconsciously to reconstruct the past. Constructed in the 11th century, the fortress served many purposes and became a bargaining chip between powerful Italian dynasties.
In the 13th century, Matteo the Lord of Scarpa (Cineto Romano’s original name) granted the castle to Cardinal Napoleone Orsini in exchange for part of the Castello del Lago, and the Castle of Cantalupo (now Mandela).
In 1339 Giordano di Orso Orsini of Monterotondo granted the castle of Scarpa to his brother Rinaldo, who ceded it to Orso di Giacomo di Napoleone Orsini di Tagliacozzo. On 3 August 1368, Bertoldo Orsini di Scarpa divided the fortress with his brother Roberto, Lord of License. In 1380 and 1381, the Tiburtine troops sacked the fortress in a war against Rinaldo Orsini. The Lordship of Scarpa remained attributed to Matteo, his son Oddone and Angelo di Oddone until 1390.
Subsequently, with the marriage of 1418 between Maria Masi di Matteuccio and Orsello di Orso Degli Orsini, the barony passed to the latter.
When in 1503, Pope Alexander VI sent his troops against Giordano Orsini on the Via Valeria, the castle of Scarpa was temporarily lost, when the Orsinis surrendered but was recovered once more after the Pope’s death, which occurred the same year. In December 1526, Ascanio Colonna, Duke of Tagliacozzo, son of Fabrizio and brother of Sciarra, having received reinforcements from the viceroy of Naples, came towards Tivoli with 2,000 infantry and 300 riders and tried in vain to take Scarpa.
In his “History of Italy,” Francesco Guicciardini (1483-1550) reports, “Ascanio Colonna fought in vain at Scarpa, the castle of the abbey of Farfa.”
In 1592, Oddo and Orazio Colonna, the princes of Roviano, were imprisoned in the castle. The deeds of October 6th, 1611, and April 13th, 1612, state that the castle passed into the ownership of the Borghese family, who remained feudal lords until the suppression of feudalism in 1816.
In 1925, these last owners sold it to Curzio Gramiccia, who restored it with the help of the renowned engineers Lazzari and Gaspari.
On February 7th, 1927, the medieval manor hosted religious, military, and civil authorities within its walls on the solemn commemoration of Cardinal Filippo Giustini.
In May 1934, the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate bought the castle at the tax collection auction for the sum of 25K Lire, and the latter then resold it and transformed it into various lodgings or apartments.
One of which can now be yours for 70,000 €.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit about this gorgeous town. If you want more amazing dream real estate tips, subscribe to the blog today!
Leave a comment and let me know what you think of this lovely home.