Velletri is a charming town located in the Lazio region, which offers a quieter atmosphere than the larger nearby cities. A historical and architectural treasure and a wonderful landscape, Velletri is waiting for tourists to discover it. One of the city’s main attractions is the Cathedral of St. Clement, dating from the 12th century. Its beautiful facade decorated with intricate details delights visitors. The interior of the cathedral impresses with exquisite frescoes and sculptures that showcase the city’s religious heritage.
Located
Velletri is located about 40 km from Rome, in a panoramic position, at the southern end of the Alban hills and immersed in the greenery of the surrounding vineyards. A holiday resort since the times of the ancient Romans, it is a city with a rich history and traditions that offers its guests relaxing, alternative tourist routes.
History
Velletri has a rich and ancient history. Knowledge of the town goes back to the Volsci period. The ancient Velitrae was influenced by the Etruscans, as shown by the numerous terracotta relics and inscriptions left on the territory.
Diocese of Velletri
In the diocese of Velletri, until his election as pope, Joseph Ratzinger was the titular bishop; he devoted, among others, a monument to John Paul II, which was unveiled on September 23, 2007 in the capital of the diocese.
Sightseeing:
Velletri Cathedral
Velletri Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Velletri in the Lazio region of Italy, dedicated to Saint Clement, pope and martyr. It is the episcopal seat of the suburban diocese of Velletri-Segni.
Castelli Romani
Situated in a panoramic position on a spur of Monte Artemisio, at the extreme south of the Alban Hills, Velletri is the largest territory of the Castelli Romani and one of the most important centres of the province of Rome. Surrounded by vineyards, it was chosen and frequented as a holiday spot since ancient Roman times.
Activities:
Flying in the Sky
Flying In the Sky is the world’s fastest zipline and the longest in Europe at 2.225 meters long, where you’ll be able to experience flying in complete safety.It’s located in the small medieval village of Rocca Massima, at 70 kilometers distance from Rome in the province of Latina.The structure consist of a steel cable which is supported by two pylons. Over the 2.225 meters length, you’ll be at a maximum of 250 meters above the ground while descending 350 meters.
Unlike other methods like hanggliding or paragliding, the zipline allows you to experience the excitement of flying in complete safety as you’re secured to a 22mm diameter steel cable and through the use of certified technical equipment. Since there’s no particular skills or preparation involved, this experience is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Green area:
Castelli Romani Regional Park
One of the most significant protected areas in the region, it rests on the Latium Volcano and includes the wetlands of the lakes. It covers 15,000 hectares and has an elevation that varies from the plains to mountain peaks, among which stand out: Maschio delle Faete (956 m) and Monte Cavo (950 m), a sacred area on which the Latins built a temple dedicated to Jupiter; and Maschio dell’Ariano (891 m), a high ground of great strategic value to the Romans that owes its name to a medieval castle built by the gens of the Arria. The park is home to numerous animal and plant species.
Monte Artemisio
Monte Artemisio or Monte dell’Artemisio (939 m above sea level) is a mountain group in the Alban Hills, located in the urban area of Velletri, in the Castelli Romani region It is part of the second mountain ring formed in the southeast of the Lazio volcano together with the first chain, the highest, which covers the almost entirely forested area of the commune of Rocca di Papa with the three peaks of Monte Peschio (939 m), Maschio d’Ariano (891 m) and Maschio dell ‘Artemisio (812 m).
The north side slopes towards Pratoni del Vivaro, looking towards Monte Cavo and Maschio delle Faete. The entire territory of Artemisio is covered by Area of Community Concern (S.I.C.) IT6003017, and its forests are home to many protected species. In some areas there is primary vegetation, consisting mainly of holm oaks and occasional beeches. Together with Monte Cavo and Maschio delle Faete, Artemisio is part of the Castelli Romani Regional Park.
