Discover Zagarolo: History, Art and Tordo Matto

Zagarolo combines a historic townscape with art, religious history and its own culinary tradition. The historic centre has medieval origins and features a regular street grid. Those planning a trip can combine different interests here: a tour through the town’s history, the appreciation of frescoes and church art, and an exploration of Tordo Matto di Zagarolo. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, it helps to use your preferred daily rhythm and personal interests as a guide.

History and Art in the Townscape

One of the notable historical landmarks is the Collegiata di San Lorenzo. After the construction work completed in 1623, it acquired its present cruciform shape. The original church, Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo, was built in the 12th century on the site of a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter. For travellers interested in church art and religious history, the Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata and its fresco of Saint Albina from the 8th century are also among Zagarolo’s noteworthy features.

The Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie developed from an older Marian chapel and an ancient hermitage. In the early years of the 13th century, these were converted into a church and a monastery. The image of the Virgin Mary venerated there was brought by Saint Francis around the year 1223. In the Palazzo Rospigliosi, the Sala della battaglia di Lepanto offers another art-historical point of interest: the frescoed hall is located on the piano nobile. The fresco rooms of the Palazzo also contain works associated with the Zuccari and Domenichino.

Route, Museum and Traces of Silk Production

The “Ricorda” route is an urban trekking tour through the historic centre of Zagarolo. It presents the history and former sites of silk production, including the ancient “Cacciasete” silk manufactory. This provides a special way of accessing a part of the town’s history that extends beyond individual buildings. An ancient scale with the units of measurement formerly used locally can also still be seen on Via Fabrini. The historical status of this detail is expressly part of its significance.

Another cultural point of interest is the Museo Demoantropologico del Giocattolo di Zagarolo. It is a permanent, non-profit institution serving society and its development. Families can mark the museum down as a programme item of its own, while those interested in cultural history can view the “Ricorda” route, the historic churches and the Palazzo Rospigliosi as different ways of approaching Zagarolo.

Tordo Matto and Traditional Events

Tordo Matto di Zagarolo is part of the local food culture. It is a roulade or rolled dish made from horse meat, filled with chopped cured pork fat, garlic, parsley, coriander, salt and other local spices. In June, the Festival of Tordo Matto is one of the annual events in Zagarolo. Another traditional event is the Processione in onore della Madonna della Divina Provvidenza, which passes through the streets of Zagarolo on the second Saturday in September.

The Right Base for Planning Your Trip

If you primarily want to discover art and history, you can align your accommodation search with the cultural themes mentioned above. For a trip focused on food, consider including the Festival of Tordo Matto or the dish itself in your plans. Those wishing to combine different interests can consider the historic centre, the “Ricorda” route, the museum and the religious landmarks as separate focuses of discovery, without having to infer any particular order from them. This keeps the choice of holiday apartment or holiday home guided by your personal travel plans.

More destinations for your trip planning: Subiaco, Campagnano Di Roma, Mentana, Anguillara Sabazia, San Polo Dei Cavalieri, Gallicano Nel Lazio, Civitella San Paolo, Fiano Romano.

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