Arcinazzo Romano is located on the eastern border of the province of Rome and was still called Ponza until the end of the 19th century. Its main source of income is tourism. This is mainly thanks to its natural beauty, although Emperor Trajan did have a villa there, the ruins of which can be visited.
Arcinazzo Romano travel guide
Useful information
Tourist information: There is a Pro Loco at the Largo Benelli.
Town hall: Viale San Giorgio 1 – 00020 Arcinazzo Romano. (tel. +39 0774808006).
Railway station: There is no train station. From Rome, take a Cotral bus (from line B metro stop Ponte Mammolo) to Subiaco and then the bus to Fiuggi. Arcinazzo Romano is the second stop. Alternatively, you can take the train to Fiuggi first and then continue by bus to Affile, from where it is a short walk to Arcinazzo.
Tourist attractions
The main sight is the Santa Maria Assunta Church, built in the 11th century. The original Gothic style was transformed into a neo-classical during later renovations. The highlight is a marble altar.
The Santa Lucia Chapel was built on top of a medieval sanctuary, while the San Giorgio Church dates from 1575.
The aforementioned ruins of Trajan’s Villa are in the Altipiani Pratolongo borough. A nymphaeum, a peristilium and some marble decorations were brought to light in the 1960s.
A brief history of
The first inhabitants of the area were the Aequi, who were later expelled by the Romans. Some ruins of a villa can still be seen from Roman times.
Around the 10th century, what was then called Ponza d’Arcinazzo developed. This happened around a castle built by Filippo di Morano.
In the 12th century, a long battle began between Ildemondo, feudal lord of Ponza and Affile, and the prior of the Abbey of Subiaco, Giovanni V. The latter, with the help of the church, would eventually prevail and gain control over the municipality.
Although the town existed under the rule of the church from then on, it did have some autonomy. In 1597, Arcinazzo received its own statute.
The current name, Arcinazzo Romano, has only been in use since 1891.
How to get to Arcinazzo Romano by car
From Rome, follow the E80 (toll road) or the regional SR5 to Roviano and then the SR411 southwards.