CELLERE: THE "BRIGAND" VILLAGE OF VITERBO'S TUSCIA - DMO La Francigena e le Vie del Gusto in Tuscia

CELLERE: THE “BRIGAND” VILLAGE OF VITERBO’S TUSCIA

The village of Cellere is situated on a hill immersed in the countryside of Tuscia. There are numerous hypotheses about the origins of the name, but the term “Cellulis” first appears in a deed of sale dating back to March 738 AD.

The "brigand" village of Tuscia

The time of greatest splendor for the village dates back to 1537 when, under the rule of the Farnese family, it became part of the Duchy of Castro. It’s from this family that the Rocca Farnese takes its name. While built years earlier, it came under their ownership in the 1300s. The Rocca Farnese was constructed in a dominant position compared to the inhabited center and is accessible via a bridge, being separated from the other houses by an artificial cut.

Certainly unique in the village is the Museum of Brigandage; built due to the numerous incidents of banditry that occurred here and the association with the famous brigand Tiburzi. Inside, you can find contemporary documentary sources about banditry, along with videos, practical experiences, and the stories of the brigand Tiburzi.

One of the most scenic natural resources of the village is undoubtedly the protected area of the Timone Valley; here, history and nature intersect, combining unique flora and fauna with archaeological remains of remarkable interest. Along the paths, you encounter old springs, Roman cisterns, mills, waterfalls, and caves. Being a territory of bandits and outlaws, numerous legends about the nearby Selva del Lamone add charm to the place.

Events in Cellere

In Cellere, there is no shortage of events related to religious traditions and gastronomy: the May 1st Festival with guided tours and gastronomic competitions; Cellere between Nature and Tradition, in mid-September, with equestrian shows and food stands; Beyond the Garden, a floricultural show where plants and flowers take center stage, and the evocative Living Nativity Scene during the Christmas time.