Ariccia: Palazzo Chigi, Bridge and Porchetta

Ariccia brings together historic buildings, parkland and its own porchetta tradition. Piazza della Repubblica – formerly Piazza di Corte – is considered the elegant heart of the town and a starting point for sightseeing. There are various themes to choose from when planning your trip: palace and town history, landscape, art and local food culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Ariccia, these themes can help structure your plans; compare the specific details of available options with your priorities.

Piazza di Corte and Palazzo Chigi

Palazzo Chigi houses paintings, sculptures and furnishings dating mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. The palazzo was redesigned as an architectural hybrid of palace, castle and villa. The building thus brings together different historical architectural forms, while the collection offers insight into the art and furnishings of those centuries.

The Locanda Martorelli is a historic building on Piazza di Corte and was a stop on the Grand Tour of Italy in the 19th century. The Collegiata dell’Assunta is also part of the town’s history: it was part of the redesign of Piazza di Corte commissioned by Alexander VII. These various stops offer several perspectives on the historic centre – from its ensemble of buildings and 19th-century travel culture to its urban design.

Ponte Monumentale and Santuario di Galloro

The Ponte Monumentale was built between 1847 and 1854 under Pope Pius IX, based on a design by architect Ireneo Aleandri. It is 312 metres long and 59 metres high, and replaced the steep ramps of the old Via Appia. Its construction period, dimensions and function each tell a different part of its story: the bridge is a major 19th-century structure and is also linked to the earlier road route.

The history of the Santuario di Galloro dates back to 1624, when construction began following the discovery of an image of the Virgin Mary in the area around Ariccia. Gian Lorenzo Bernini redesigned the sanctuary; he is also credited with its façade and the interior decorations of the dome. The start of construction and the artistic attributions offer different points of reference for anyone interested in Ariccia’s religious and architectural history.

Parco Chigi and Views

Parco Chigi embodies historic ideas of a sacred wood and a walled hunting park. In the park, the Uccelliera was built by the Savelli around 1628 on a Roman quarry. Later, the Chigi transformed it into a picturesque ruin in a garden. The site thus reveals both an early phase of construction and a later garden interpretation.

From Ariccia’s historic centre, you can reach a belvedere, a viewing terrace overlooking the landscape of the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Castelli Romani. Here, the connection with the landscape is a distinct focus alongside the buildings and their history. When planning your trip, you can weigh these different interests against one another rather than viewing Ariccia through just one place.

Porchetta and Events

Since 2011, Porchetta di Ariccia has held protected geographical indication (IGP) status and is seasoned with rosemary, garlic and black pepper. The Sagra della Porchetta was established in 1950 and takes place every year on the first Sunday in September. A specifically designated food tradition and a recurring festival date thus represent two different aspects of local food culture. If you would like to travel around the time of the festival, its date offers a clear reference point for your plans.

The Concerti dell’Accademia degli Sfaccendati are also associated with Palazzo Chigi: they have been held there since 2000. As concert dates can change, check the current programme for your travel dates. This will help you fit a possible concert visit into your travel plans without losing sight of the historic sights and culinary themes.

Planning Your Arrival

Free parking is available beneath the Ponte Monumentale. The Funicolare di Ariccia connects Parcheggio Bernini with the historic centre and Palazzo Chigi. Check the latest operating information for the funicular and parking options before you travel. When choosing a hotel, you can then compare the details of the specific option with the places and dates that matter for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Castel Di Guido, Fiano Romano, Maccarese, Settecamini, Anguillara Sabazia, Aranova, Saracinesco, Lavinio Lido Di Enea.

Back to the main travel overview: Rome.