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On top of a conical hill, the
imposing Castello Orsini dominates the town on the
slopes. It has been built in the 13th century by Nicholas
III Orsini, who died there in 1280. It is considered one of
the best conserved castles of the region and has been used
in a recent past as penitentiary. Another remarkable monument
of the town is the Palazzo Chigi-Albani, an exclusive
late Renaissance residence of the 16th century, designed by
Vignola. The double-bodied building is joined in the middle
by a fountain called Papacqua, one the most beautiful creations
of the 16th century Mannerism.
The medieval Centro
is very characteristic: it comprises among other monuments
the Collegiata, the church of S. Eustizio and the church of
S. Agostino. At 1 km distance from the town, stands the recently
renovated small Romanesque church of S. Giorgio, one of the
most significative concerning the history of art.
Soriano is famous for its vast
extensions of age-old chestnut trees: that's the reason for
the chestnut-festival (Sagra della Castagna) accompanied by
the commemoration of the battle Battaglia del Bonincontro,
the Corteo Storico (historical cortege), the Giostra
degli Anelli and the Torneo degli Arcieri (archers'
tournament) and by the opening of the taverns in the old quarters;
while between July and August Soriano Estate takes
place: a mix of performances, concerts, exhibitions and sport
competitions.
In an unguarded area between
the Vezza river and the roads leading to Viterbo (SS. Ortana
e Superstrada), lies the Selva di Malano, with plenty
of grave- and room-type tombs, cinerary urns and sarcophagi,
remains of Prehistoric, Etruscan, Roman and late Middle Ages:
please address the Pro Loco (0761/746001) for free guided
visits on foot or on horseback.
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