Montelibretti, nicknamed “city of cherries”, is located approximately 40km from Rome on the western slopes of the Sabine mountain range.
In Roman times there must have been a villa belonging to Gaius Brutius Presente, father-in-law of Emperor Commodus, in the area. Writings from the 12th century cite Montis Brittorum or De Brectis. The village belonged to the Orsini family from 14th century then passed to the Barberinis in 1664 and later to the Sciarras.
The historical centre includes the Orsini Castle, over which the Palazzo Barberini was built in 1600, the Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, the Church of the Madonna del Carmelo, the Church della Madonnella, the town hall and the “school” building, both in Umbertine style. Outside the centre, the Church of Santa Maria del Capo Croce, built by the Orsini family, is open to visitors.
The remains of an Etruscan necropolis were discovered in nearby Colle del Forno, some of which are conserved in the National Museum of Copenhagen. The site is most probably the ancient city of Eretum. The tombs can be accessed by an underground corridor. In the area, furthermore, are sulphur and ferruginous springs.
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