Labico: Historic Routes and Roman Traces

Labico brings together several layers of local history: remains of a castle in the historic center, buildings from the early modern period, and water systems that feature along its routes. Two trails offer different highlights. The Percorso delle Fonti passes through woods and by springs; the Percorso dei Boattieri is associated with three valleys and a flat stretch through fields. The town is also home to the Festa di San Rocco and a traditional local product, Piselli di Labico. These landmarks, landscape features, and recurring customs offer a way to get to know the town.

Buildings and archaeological traces

The remains of two towers of Lugnano Castle survive in the historic center. The Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo was built in the 17th century. Palazzo Giuliani served a different purpose: it was built in the 16th century as a horse-changing post station on the Via Casilina. The Arnari complex consists of structures carved entirely into the tuff. The large Roman cistern known as Grotta Mammea is also located near Labico. Together, these sites offer insight into different chapters of the town’s history—from historic buildings to Roman water systems.

Percorso delle Fonti: woods and water

The signposted Percorso delle Fonti begins and ends in Piazza della Libertà, in the town center. At 5.8 kilometers long, it runs along the Valle delle Canapine, beside the tuff spur on which modern-day Labico was built. The trail passes through woods of chestnut, hazelnut, and hornbeam trees. Along the way, numerous Roman water tunnels feed springs; six of them still flow with fresh water. The old Lavatoio is also on the route. It is still in use, and its water comes from a Roman tunnel about 220 meters long.

Other stops illustrate the connection between the trail and the water infrastructure: the Percorso reaches the Fontanile dei Pischerelli, where there is an equipped rest area. Near the Fontanile della Forma are the remains of a bridge dating from the Republican period. Along the same route, woodland, springs, and structures from different periods can be found side by side.

Percorso dei Boattieri: valleys and fields

The Percorso dei Boattieri crosses the Valle Travicella in Labico and forms part of a route through three valleys. Within the municipality, it runs across flat terrain past fields shaded by hazelnut and walnut trees. The Fontana di Sassi Grossi lies at the start of the Labico section. Beyond it is a tunnel carved into the tuff to carry water. The trail has existed since at least 1500; some features suggest it was already in use during the Middle Ages.

The two routes differ in the features described here: the Percorso delle Fonti is 5.8 kilometers long, and its course is shaped by woods and springs. The Percorso dei Boattieri, by contrast, is characterized by its three valleys and a flat stretch alongside fields. This comparison helps put Labico’s landscape features into context without treating the two trails as the same.

Festa di San Rocco and Piselli di Labico

The Festa di San Rocco is held every year on August 16. Several initiatives begin beforehand, including gatherings in the town’s streets. The religious program includes a solemn procession through the streets of Labico. The festival thus combines a fixed date in the annual calendar with events around town.

Piselli di Labico, also known as Roncolette Labicane, are another part of the local tradition. This long-established product is harvested in stages in June. Alongside the historic buildings and water routes, it offers another way to explore Labico’s history—through a traditional product and its seasonal harvest.

Discover more destinations: Lido Dei Pini, Cesano, Rome, Lavinio Lido Di Enea, Tivoli, Cerveteri, Santa Maria Di Galeria, Cave.

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