Sagre delle Castagne: The main event in Soriano's calendar is the Sagre delle Castagne (Chestnut Festival) which takes place during the first two weekends in October. The whole town has gathered together since the 15th century to throw a party dedicated to both the region's most…
Soriano nel Cimino Attractions
Usually ignored in favor of the nearby larger towns of Viterbo and Orte, Soriano nel Cimino is overlooked as a tourist destination. Despite being a small town, it still boasts some great attractions thanks to its historical links with popes and influential families, as well as its enviable geographical position. Part of the town's charm lies in its lack of tourism, making attractions somewhat low-key. But there is still plenty to see, and part of the fun is that you never know what you will find around the next corner.
Rione Roccai -- The medieval part of the city spans outwards from the castle and is known as the Rione Rocca, one of the town's four neighborhoods. Encircled by the old fortified city walls, the entrance is through one of the four gateways to the town, the Porta dell'Orologio, situated underneath the clock tower, which was originally the site of a drawbridge. Filled with winding alleyways, enticing piazzas and Soriano's oldest church, it's a great area of the town to explore.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II -- Shadowed by the large cathedral of San Nicola, the main piazza of Soriano is the focal point of the town and plays host to Soriano's many festivals, parades and concerts. The weekly market takes place here and it remains the best place to see the locals of Soriano going about their daily life and errands. Flanked on each side by numerous bars, cafés and shops it is always a hub of activity and the perfect place to people watch from one of the outside tables.
- Landmark
Castello Orsini
The imposing 13th century castle dominates the town from its proud position at the summit. It was constructed by Pope Nicolo III Orsini in 1277 around an existing tower, and was initially used as his summer residence. It has passed through many hands as power shifted through history… - Religious Site
Chiesa della Misericordia
The Church of Mercy is historically the oldest church in Soriano. Although today's construction comprises alterations and additions from the Renaissance, the original structure was built in the early middle ages, evidence of which can still be seen from the narrow windows on the… - Religious Site
Chiesa di San Giorgio
About 1 km from the center of town stands the sweet 11th-century chapel dedicated to St. George. Built from the dark local volcanic tuff called peperino which is prevalent around town, the chapel is rectangular with an attractive bell tower. Of particular note are the bass-reliefs on… - Religious Site
Chiesa di Sant' Eutizio
Dedicated to St. Eustice, the church dates from 1718 and was commissioned by the Albani family whose crest can be seen on the façade. Inside there is a single nave which leads to the baroque high altar. Check out the marble oil receptacle (now used as a baptism font) by Andrea Bregno… - Religious Site
Collegiata di San Nicola di Bari
This imposing church is also the cathedral of Soriano and the main piazza of the town is dominated by its grand façade. Constructed in the late 17th century by the architect Giovanni Camporese, it stands on the site of two earlier churches. The inside is splendidly neo-classical with… - Park/Garden
Faggetai
Just a few kilometers following the panoramic road up the hill from the main square is the Faggeta, an area in the thick beech, chestnut and hazelnut forest which is the starting point for hiking trails as well as home to the Baita La Faggetta restaurant. Close by is an ancient… - Landmark
Palazzo Albano Chigi and Fontana Papacquai
This Renaissance palace which runs along the side of the town was originally built in the 16th century for Cardinal Cristoforo Madruzzo. Although usually closed to the public and more recently left in a state of almost abandonment, the exterior retains some of its original elegance… - Landmark
Statue of La Vecchia del Carnaiolo
A low arch on Via Roma leads to a tiny square which seems like a private garden, with a statue of an old woman and a cat surrounded by plants and flowers. Legend has it that when the count Vignanello, Pier Paolo Nardini and his troops attempted to invade Soriano in 1489, the old lady…
Soriano nel Cimino Shopping
Soriano nel Cimino is no Milan or Rome, so don't come looking for designer boutiques and chain stores. Here, shopping opportunities are limited to the few artisan shops and delicatessens in the center of town and the weekly and monthly markets which take place in the main piazza. But that doesn't mean you can't find some great souvenirs. The friendly, helpful service and good-hearted bartering make shopping in Soriano an integral part of the Italian small-town experience.
Soriano nel Cimino Nightlife
Soriano nel Cimino is a small hill town immersed in the countryside and therefore is not the ideal destination if you are looking for parties, clubs, or nightlife. The laid-back vibe and relaxed style of the center means that evening activity is limited to a few basic bars and gelaterias. Go with the flow and chill out Italian style with the locals in Bar Centrale, or follow the very Italian tradition of the passeggiata and take a stroll around the old town with an ice-cream.
