Civitella d'Agliano - the Route of the Gullies

From the castle of Graffignano, turn back to the Provincial road No. 132 on the right and in a distance of 500 metres, turn left towards Castiglione in Teverina. After a while you reach the river Tiber plain and further on a junction where you should turn left again. Proceed as far as the junction with the Provincial Road No. 5 and go left, following the road signs for Civitella d'Agliano. The ancient village is surrounded by high tuff cliffs on every side. It is also defended by powerful fortifications built by the Monaldeschi, lords of Orvieto.

So Civitella d'Agliano looks like an isolated stronghold, just like the ancient Celleno and Civita di Bagnoregio.
The Monaldeschi castle, which was built in the Xiii-xiv century upon pre-existing works of the XI century, is now partly destroyed. Its imposing square tower is anyhow well kept due to several restoration works during the last century. Originally the building had a four-sided plan with a moat and the entrance was protected by a drawbridge.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele separates the castle from the rest of the village. On the square stands a parish church in perfect Romanesque style dedicated to the Ss. Pietro and Paolo, with a modern façade and a remarkable interior with nave and two aisles. The coat of arms overhanging the village gate has an eagle above a "rake" and celebrates the memory of the Monaldeschi family.

Tuscia Mirabilis