| Grottaferrata | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms  | ||
| State | Italy | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Lazio | |
| Altitude | 329 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 18.4 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 21,039 approx | |
| Name inhabitants | Grottaferratesi or Criptensi | |
| Prefix tel | 39 06 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 00046 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
| Patron | San Nilo | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Grottaferrata is a city Lazio, in the province of Rome.
To know
Geographical notes
It is located on the slopes of the Alban hills and is part of the mountain community of the Castelli Romani and Monti Prenestini.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Grottaferrata is in late spring, when the very mild climate offers splendid walks and beautiful views.
Background
Grottaferrata was built in 1004 when San Nilo, coming from Rossano Calabro, stopped under an oak and, as he slept, he heard a divine voice that told him to build an abbey in that spot; and so he did, even though he did not see The completed work. His successor, San Bartolomeo, later completed the abbey. Subsequently, after some raids carried out by barbarian populations, the population that had settled around the abbey decided to fortify the latter, making it impregnable so as to take refuge in it in case of invasion. After the fear of the barbarian invasions, Grottaferrata survived thanks to an economy based on agriculture, becoming the town it is today.
How to orient yourself
Grottaferrata: full screen map.How to get
By plane
The nearest airport is Ciampino, served by low cost international flights, then, about 35 km away is the intercontinental airport of Fiumicino.
By car
By car you can arrive from the S.S.511 Anagnina coming from Rome; coming instead from the A1 motorway, exit at M. Porzio Catone and then continue towards Frascati and Grottaferrata.
The nearest ports are Fiumicino and the largest port of Civitavecchia, from where ferries leave for Sardinia and other destinations.
On the train
The closest station is that of Frascati, connected to Rome Termini with a train every hour.
By bus
The CO.TRA.L. ensures connections on the following lines passing through Grottaferrata:
- Rome Anagnina-Rocca di Papa;
- Frascati-Albano Laziale-Velletri;
- Rome Anagnina-Grottaferrata-Rocca Priora;
- Rome Anagnina-Marino;
- Rome Anagnina-Grottaferrata-Colleferro FS;
How to get around
By public transport
You can take advantage of the 3 municipal lines made available by Schiaffini s.p.a., which depart from Piazza de Gasperi.
By car
Within the municipality you can easily circulate by car.
What see
- Abbey of San Nilo. Founded in 1004, it was the first city nucleus and today celebrates masses of the Greek-Byzantine rite.
- Ancient City of Tusculum. The ancient city, eternal rival of Rome, is located in the highest part of the municipal territory, Mount Tuscolo (670 m.); it preserves the ruins of a thriving city, with a large amphitheater and a breathtaking panorama.
- Catacombs Ad Decimum. The ancient place of Christian profession, located on the Via Latina, dates back to the era of persecutions by Christians; today you can see the galleries and niches embellished with wall paintings, all in the narrow underground passages.
Events and parties
The events that characterize the city environment are two:
- Grottaferrata National Fair. This event, which takes place in mid-March, has its origins in a very ancient tradition; The fair, which has now reached over 400 editions, is a moment of leisure that attracts tourists and visitors.
- Historical reenactment "ce steva 'na vota". The historical re-enactment "ce steva 'na vota" takes place in September and aims to represent the Grottaferrata Fair as it once was, with typical dressed animals and the classic pancakes.
What to do
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
Where stay
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Grottaferrata
Commons contains images or other files on Grottaferrata
