Artena, the village of the past

Perched on a stone lies the village of Artena, also known as Montefortino, in the province of Rome. A village where it is possible to go back in time, thanks also to the fact that it is not possible to use cars to circulate there. The entire historic center is a perfect example of an ancient piedmont village. The inhabited area has a narrow of alleys and masonry buildings that overlook a cliff. From the lower village to the fortress there is a difference in height of 150 m. The origins of the village date back to Roman times, in fact, in the area of Piano della Civita, remains of city walls and other ancient objects were found. At the entrance of the village we find the Arco Borghese waiting for us, a monumental work on which the symbols of the Borghese family are found. The Church of Santa Croce overlooks the village, built in the year 1100 on the remains of a pagan temple. The building is in Baroque style and has two rose windows on the facade, inside there are numerous finds such as a fresco of the 1500s depicting the Last Supper and the baptismal font. Recently exhibited are the paintings such as that of the Immaculate Conception, that of San Giovanni Battista and the painting of the Madonna Bowed. The convent of the Franciscan fathers was built in 1629 on the orders of Cardinal Borghese who wanted a center for philosophical studies. The main activity of the place is the craftsmanship of wood, by skilled hands on request all types of wood are processed and unique works are created. Another unique process of its kind is the artisan production of jewels. Typical dishes of the village are: fettuccine with beef ragù, pappardelle with wild boar sauce, gnocchi with porcini mushrooms, grilled or baked lamb. The products used in the restaurants of the place are of own production, each product used is at km 0. There are numerous events that take place during the year in Montefortino, but the most important is the procession of the Madonna delle Grazie, every year they are brought around the country of the enormous crucifixes garlanded to represent the most important themes of the faith. The procession takes place on the third Saturday of May and sees more than 500 worshipers in adoration. The Madonna delle Grazie which remains covered for almost a year is shown to the people and carried on the shoulders of the Sanctuary where it remains for a week.