Capranica is a small town of over 6000 inhabitants. It is located about 55 kilometres north of Rome and a little less than 30 kilometres south of the provincial capital Viterbo along both the ancient Via Cassia consular road and the pilgrim road Via Francigena.
Capranica (province of Viterbo) City Guide
Tourist information
The address of the town hall is Corso Francesco Petrarca, 40 (tel. +39 076166791). The postal code is 01012 and the area code is 0761. The town has three frazioni (boroughs), namely Capranica Scalo, Vico Matrino and Querce d`Orlando.
By car/public transportation
Own transport from Viterbo: Follow the SR2 (the ancient consular road Via Cassia) in southern direction.
Own transport from Rome: Take the Via Cassia in northern direction.
Public transport from Viterbo: The FR3 train between Rome and Viterbo stops in Capranica-Sutri, 5 km from the historical centre of the city.
Public transport from Rome: see above.
The historical centre of Capranica is located on a tuff stone rock, which is shaped like a flagship. Most of the top 10 attractions of the city are located within this historic center, which can be entered through two ancient city gates.
Top 10 tourist attractions Capranica
01. Madonna del Piano Church
The Madonna del Piano Church was built between the 12th and 14th centuries and stands just outside the city walls of Capranica. In 1559, it was restored by Vignola, but after both the church and the adjacent convent collapsed in 1632, many of the changes made by the famous architect were lost during reconstruction.
02. Castello degli Anguillara and Torrione dell’Orologio
The Castello degli Anguillara was built in the 13th centy. Its construction was adapted to the characteristics of the land. The Torrione dell’Orologio is a later addition.
03. Santa Maria Church
The Santa Maria Church was built in 1866 by the neo-classical architect Vespignani. Highlights in this church are a tabernacle from the 15th century and the 12th century painting “Blessed Redeemer”.
04. Madonna dei Ruscelli Church
Chiesa della Madonna dei Ruscelli
05. Ospedale di San Sebastiano
The 13th century entrance gate of the Ospedale di San Sebastiano.
06. Madonna delle Grazie Church
The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie was built between the 13th and 16th centuries.
07. San Francesco Church
The San Francesco Church dates back to the 12th century. The highlight of this church is the Gothic tomb of the twins Francesco and Nicola Anguillara (15th century).
08. San Giovanni Church
The Chiesa Collegiata di San Giovanni was restored in the 19th century. It was built on top of an already existing Romanesque church. The bell tower still belongs to the first version. Highlights are a crucifix from the 16th century and a marble tabernacle.
09. San Pietro Church
The San Pietro Church dates back to the 11th century.
10. San Rocco Church
The Chiesa di San Rocco (15th century) is the seat of the Museo delle Confraternite (“Museum of the Brotherhoods”).
More tourist attractions Capranica
- San Terenziano Church
- Palazzo Montenero-Sansoni (late 18th century)
- Palazzo Forlani (17th century)
- Palazzo Patrizi-Naro
- Palazzo del Governatorato (17th century)
- The Palazzo Accoramboni was built in the 17th century and is the seat of the city’s town hall.
- Chiesa della Madonna del Cerreto (18th century)
- Porta di Sant’Antonio (17th century)
- The Porta del Ponte is the gateway to the Anguillara Castle.
A brief history of Capranica
Capranica has always been an important town because of its favourable location in a wooded area between two lakes. Of Etruscan origin, it was later taken over by the Romans, before becoming a plaything of various peoples invading from the north and later of the feudal lords who divided the region among themselves. In 1465, the population placed itself under the authority, and protection, of the Pope.
Ancient history
Capranica‘s history dates back to Etruscan times and thanks to its favourable location, the town has always remained an important place in the history of the entire region.
The Etruscan settlement was conquered by the Romans, who turned it into a military stronghold. The reason for this choice was partly the proximity of the town of Sutri and partly the presence of the woods and drinking water in the area.
A second settlement in the area was Vico Matrino, which was however destroyed by the barbarians after the decline of the Roman Empire. Vico Matrino is now a borough of Capranica.
Middle ages
In the 10th century, Emperor Ottone III gave the town to the Monastery of the Saints Alessio and Bonifacio on the Aventine Hill in Rome.
Later in the Middle Ages, Capranica became an important garrison of the Papal State.
The Lombards and the Franks invaded the town, which was also often besieged by bandit troops, as well as by the various feudal lords of the region, who wanted to steal Capranica from the Pope. The Anguillara held the town for a while. After that it was taken over by the Di Vico before the Anguillara regained possession.
In the year 1465, the inhabitants of Capranica themselves chased the Anguillara out of the city, swearing allegiance to the pope in return for which they made a number of demands, including exemption from paying taxes.
Festivals and other events in Capranica
San Terenziano is the town’s patron saint. Festivities in his honour are held every year on the first Sunday in September.
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