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The Keep of Anguillara Sabazia: views over the lake and an 8,000-year-old village
At the summit of the town of Anguillara Sabazia, the medieval Torrione (Keep) is much more than a simple defensive tower. It preserves the memory of a centuries-old history, and is a privileged vantage point over a unique panorama, stretching from Lake Bracciano all the way to the neolithic village of La Marmotta, the oldest in Europe, submerged beneath the lake’s waters. A place where the Middle Ages and prehistory meet.
Climbing through prisons and graffiti
Built in the second half of the 15th century, perhaps based on a design by the great architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the Torrione has four levels, connected by steep staircases. As you climb up, you move through history: from the ground floor, once used by soldiers, you ascend to the upper level, which served as a prison until the 18th century. And here lies a detail that guides do not always mention: the graffiti left by prisoners can still be seen on the walls. A tangible mark of the past.
A historic panorama
The effort of the climb is rewarded by the view that opens up from the top. One’s gaze takes in the entire lake, the rooftops of the town and the Collegiate Church. But the true secret is to look towards the locality of La Marmotta. Right there, beneath the surface, the water conceals the remains of a village nearly eight thousand years old, with its houses and its canoes — a truly unique and moving experience.
The Torrione can only be visited by appointment, by contacting the Municipal Culture Office. The visit is often managed in collaboration with the Associazione Scuola Orchestra, which is based on the top floor. The surrounding gardens are always open.
