Valmontone in the province of Roma is mostly known for two things, the Fashion District Outlet and the Rainbow Magic Land, its recently opened amusement park. Valmontone is located about 50 kilometres east of Rome.
All about Valmontone city guide
Useful information
Valmontone is situated on top of a green hill of the typically Roman tufa stone near the river Sacco. The city hall is in the Via Nazionale, 5 – 00038 Valmontone (Phone: +39 06959901). The city code is 06 and the ZIP code 00038.
By car/public transport
By car: From Rome you follow the E821/A1 (turnpike) in southern direction. If you prefer not paying you can follow the slower SR6 (the old Via Casilina consular road).
Public transport: There is a direct train connection from Roma Termini to Valmontone. The railway station is at the edge of the historical centre of the city. From here there are buses to Rainbow Magicland. From the metro stop Anagnina (line A), there is also a direct bus connection to Valmontone.
Fun and Shopping
The biggest attractions of Valmotone are the Rainbow Magicland Amusement Park and the Valmontone Designer Outlet. The gigantic fashion outlet is modeled on American towns and even has a small (fake) railway station. It is located outside of Valmontone itself, in the frazione Pascolare. Over 180 shops offer designer brands at discounts of up to 70%.
Tourist attractions
Santa Maria Assunta Collegiata Church
For those more interested in a cultural visit, the biggest attraction is the Collegiata Church, which was built in the 17th century, by Prince Pamhili Aldobrandini. It was restored in the 19th century and is decorated with paintings by 17th century artists. The church is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
The Santa Maria delle Grazie Church is the oldest church of Valmontone. It was constructed on tuff stone blocks and has an interesting bell gable. The main attraction of this church is fresco “Holiest Mary and Child” above the main altar. There also some late 17th century stucco‘s.
Palazzo Doria Pamphili and Archaeological Museum
The mid-17th century Palazzo Doria Pamphili became a temporary home for families whose houses had been destroyed in the war. In the 1970’s the city bought it back and restored it. The piano nobile is decorated with fresco cycles depicting the four elements and the four continents. It is also the seat of the Museo Archeologico Valmontone (MAV).
Madonna del Gonfalone Church
The Madonna del Gonfalone Church was restored after having been severely damaged during World War II. The highlight is a “Breastfeeding Madonna” from 1514.
City walls and gates
The 17th century Porta del Sole is the main entrance to the city. It was constructed by the Barberini and is characterized by its columns and battlements. The family coat of arms decorates the gate. The Porta Napoletana has also survived.
More tourist attractions
If you are willing to venture outside of the city, you can visit the Catacombs and Basilica of Sant’Ilario.
The most interesting fountain is the Fontana del Colle (“Fountain of the Hill”)
Festivals and events Valmontone
Every year the city hosts the Caput Lucis, the world fireworks championship.
The Patron Saint of Valmontone is San Luigi and the last Sunday of the month of September is dedicated to him.
History
Valmontone is supposed to have been founded in pre-Roman times by Glaucus, son of Minos. At the time it was still called Labicum after some kind of shield. Later it was conquered by the Romans and became a fortified castle. The castle was subsequently rebuilt in what is now the old part of Valmontone.
The first document mentioning the Castrum dates back to 1052.
In 1208 it was bought by Pope Innocenzo III, who gave it to his brother Riccardo, the Count of Sora.
Over the centuries Valmontone was often plundered. This happened, among others, in 1527 and in 1557 when the town was set on fire by the troops of Marcantonio Colonna.
It was successively under the rule of the feudal lords Colonna and Sforza, before Prince Camillo Pamphilj became the new owner in 1651, ushering in an artistic and architectural heyday.
The Collegiata Church, Valmontone’s greatest landmark, dates from this era, as does the Palazzo Doria Pamphili.
In 1843, Valmontone was granted city rights by Pope Gregory XVI.
Towards the end of World War II, Valmontone was severely damaged, as a result of being located between Anzio (the landing site of the Allies) and Rome. Unfortunately 80% of the ancient buildings in the city were destroyed.