Italy > Vivaro Romano

Vivaro Romano

The town, in the middle of Sabina in thcj Turano Valley, is related to an ancient Acqui settlement dating to 229 B.C. The Romans founded a Latin colony there dedicated tol raising animals for food and for sacrifice. And called it “Vivarum” (“vivaio” or farm) from which the name “Vivaro” comes. During the barbarian invasions, the area became part of the Lombardian Duchy of Spoleto. During the 10th and 1 lrl centuries, it fell under the control of the Abbey of j Farfa whose ownership was confirmed by Emperor Heinrich VI in 1118. In the middle of the 15th century, ownership passed to the Orsini family, then to the Barberinis to the Brancaleones, and, finally, to the Borgheses. In 1799, it suffered an attack by French troops who set fire to the ancient fortress.

The Sanctuary of Maria SS. Illuminata of Vivaro is on the S. Maria hill. According to tradition the building of the sanctuary is tied to the finding (by chance) of a sacred immage of the Virgin, now kept inside the church. The cult started probably during the Ichonoclastic period. Once again, popular tradition tells of how the statue was hidden in "Li Pantani", to spread the news that it had been lost and therefore save it from the systemic destruction of such artifacts at the time.

Things to see

• Castle Medievale
• Spring of Nocchia
• Church of S.Biagio
• Fortress