Poli: Palaces, Churches and Walking Trails
Accommodation in Poli
You can get to know Poli through two very different sides: its densely layered historic center and trails through wooded landscapes. When looking for a hotel in Poli, you can consider whether palaces and sacred art or hiking will shape your stay. The historic center sits on a tuff ridge in the shape of a “fuso d’acropoli.” A main street runs lengthwise through the town, while more than thirty narrow lanes form a herringbone pattern. This layout is as much a part of the town’s character as its individual historic buildings.
Palaces and Local History
Palazzo Conti is a medieval fortress that was converted into a baronial palace in the 16th century. Its interiors are entirely decorated with frescoes, including the entrance hall, courtyard, loggia and apartments of Torquato I and Lotario II. The building offers a chance to trace both a change in use and an extensive fresco decoration. On May 6, 2025, the Lazio Region announced that Palazzo Conti had been included in the regional network of buildings recognized as historic residences.
Another historic building in the center of Poli is Palazzo Pelliccioni. Its fully decorated hall is about 60 square meters in size, and two rooms have painted wooden ceilings. The two palaces illustrate different aspects of architectural and decorative history: Palazzo Conti is notable for its medieval fortress and its conversion, while Palazzo Pelliccioni is distinguished by its decorated rooms and ceilings.
Churches, Frescoes and Art
The Chiesa Arcipretale di San Pietro Apostolo was built from 1603 to 1609 and consecrated on October 2, 1734. Its Baroque bell tower is 39 meters high and was built from 1603 to 1607. One of its five bells bears twelve figures of popes from the Conti family. The Cappella della PietĂ is also associated with the family: Violante Farnese, wife of Torquato I Conti, Duke of Poli, had it built entirely at her own expense. The chapel takes its name from a marble PietĂ group by Adriano Schirati.
The Museo Civico del Territorio is housed in the former Chiesa di San Giovanni. The church is partly built into the natural rock and probably dates from the late 14th century; its frescoes are attributed to the 15th and 16th centuries. The Cappella Rosa was built as a funerary chapel in 1857. Its decoration includes trompe-l’œil architectural elements and panels depicting landscapes and various tree species.
Outside the town center, by the Fosso dei Maiori, stands the small rural church of Santa Maria del Peschio. Periodic rites for blessing the fields were held there. A fresco of the Madonna and Child enthroned with a saint has been preserved; the surviving frescoes belong to the artistic tradition of the early 15th century. Based on its architectural features, the church of Sant’Antonio Abate dates to the 14th century and has a single-nave layout.
Landscape and Trails
Poli’s network of trails includes hiking and cycling routes through nature. The landscape features described include springs, panoramic views, and diverse flora and fauna. Bosco della Riserva consists mostly of high forest of oak trees. Vascaccia is a mostly underground, rectangular cistern; its walls survive to a height of up to 1.80 meters.
The trail from Colle Corvia in the Poli area passes through wooded landscapes, offers panoramic views of the Monti Prenestini and reaches the Grotta del Mortale, an ancient Roman-era cistern. Another hiking trail starts at Piazza Mons. G. Cascioli and crosses wooded terrain along the historic Tratturo Poli–Guadagnolo to Guadagnolo or the Santuario della Mentorella. The routes therefore have different described destinations and features. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current situation before setting out.
Festivals and Culinary Traditions
The Festa di Sant’Eustachio takes place on the Sunday after September 20 and is listed in the Lazio Region’s register of historical reenactments. Check the dates and program before your trip. The Festa dell’Ospitalità includes tastings of traditional peasant cuisine; here, too, it is a good idea to check the current program before traveling. When planning your trip, you can weigh up Poli’s architectural and art history, trails through wooded landscapes and local events.
Discover more destinations: Palidoro, Ardea, Genzano Di Roma, Cerveteri, Cesano, Albano Laziale, La Giustiniana, Vitinia
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