The town of Mazzano Romano
Mazzano Romano comprises a 'new town' and a medieval walled village. The area around Mazzano Romano has been inhabited continuously since stone age times. Surrounded by the Treja national park, one can easily find hand-dug caves dating back 3,500 years. Like almost all medieval towns in Italy, there is an old hilltop Borgo, comprising the walled and gated medieval village, plus a more recent modern town outside the walls. It is likely that the foundations of the Borgo itself comprise pre-Roman Faliscan stone work. However the first historical mention of the town appears to be in 945 AD, as part of the Estate of Pope Adrian. The central part of the old town likely dates from around 1100 AD, with the outer parts variously constructed in the early 1500s.
A small museum in Mazzano (Piazza Giovanno XXIII), usually open Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings (entry €3) comprises two rooms that take you through the history of the Treja area and the Faliscan people from stone age until the Roman Empire. The museum features a model of the Faliscan temple and a large collection of terracotta masks in pristine condition recently found in the corners of the Temple. There purpose remains a mystery to this day. The museum also displays artifacts such as sophisticated door locks that are 2,500 years old.
The only commercial establishment in the Borgo is a cooking school www.fabiolouscookingday.com comprising the regional campus of a set of cooking schools in Rome. Classes are in Italian or English.
The new church of St Nicholas of Bari, was constructed in Piazza Giovanni XXIII featuring the historically interesting depiction of Mazzano's resistance during WWII.
The original Church of San Nicola in the Antisa was struck by lightning in 1933, and was demolished in 1940 due to safety concerns. The altar area remains, overlooking the small carpark of the Borgo.
There is also the medieval chapel of San Sebastiano, consecrated in 1465, recognised for its detailed frescoes, which were restored in 1997.
There are a number of festivals in Mazzano, most particularly the medieval reinacted Contrade each September. Other festivals are St Nicholas, the local patron saint, and Christmas markets. At various times, cantinas (cellars) turn into shops and bars. www.charmingitaly.com.au/sagras-& festivals-in-the-area
Visitors to Il Patio will receive full guide to local facilities, including how to find places, how to make bookings. Bespoke visitors can have reservations made for them.
Eating and drinking
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Bar del Falco, Your local for breakfast, coffee, drinks and meals
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Bar Novella, Breakfast, coffee, aperitivi and light lunches.
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Osteria Falisca, Dinner offerings include seafood and pizzas
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Deus birreia Pub, Drinks and dinner.
Restaurants further afield include:
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In the direction of Nepi is www.ilcasaledeibuonisapori.it
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Trevignano features a waterfront of bars and restaurants. www,genstrebonia.it is an affordable restaurant right on the water's edge, or there is www.ristoranteacquarella.it for a more up-market experience.
Shops
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Mini-market
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Small supermarket
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Fruit and veggie shop
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Pharmacy
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Stationary shop does printing
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Bakery
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Bigger shops slightly further afield, for all your needs including electronics
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Post office
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ATM
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Museum
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Petrol station