The origin of the name Capranica is uncertain; at the beginning of the 12th century, raids by soldiers forced people from the plains to seek refuge in the mountains, where they tried to protect their scant livestock and few belongings. The territory of Capranica became a refuge for people migrating from the lower countryside. These people were rural people, known in Latin as Gens Campanica. In a document from 1300 (Bull of Pope Boniface VIII), the place is referred to as Campanica. Over time, the term evolved, partly because this Gens Campanica was mainly dedicated to sheep and goat herding. Thus, Campanica gradually changed into Capranica.The first historical documents mentioning the Capranica family date back to the 15th century. Some sources indicate Pantagati as the family’s original surname, which was later replaced by the name of the town. On May 24, 1426, Pope Martin V appointed the highly learned Domenico Capranica, son of Cola de Capranica and Jacova (Iacobella), as cardinal. Cardinal Domenico Capranica was a prominent figure in Rome during the first half of the 15th century and had great influence on the ecclesiastical life of the time. Around 1450, during the Jubilee, he lived in Rome and began the construction of his new residence near the Pantheon, in what is now Piazza Capranica. Two years before his death in 1456, he founded the College of Poor Scholars of the Sapienza Firmana, now known as the Almo Collegio Capranica.

At the top of the town stands the Parish Church of St. Mary Magdalene, built in Capranica in 1520. The prominence of the Capranica family in Rome and their connections with artists from the papal court allowed this modest mountain village to be endowed with a church of notable architectural value. Its most beautiful and distinctive feature is the dome, crowned by an ornate loggia with seven arches. The design of concentric holes around the arches recalls the style of Donato Bramante, who worked in Rome as a trusted architect of the Holy See on the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. Inside the church, there is a holy water font in the shape of a lion holding a coat of arms, attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti.

Within the village stands Palazzo Barberini, built on the remains of an older structure but preserving its 16th-century architecture, which was restored in the mid-18th century. Today, it houses the Town Hall and the Civic Naturalistic Museum of the Prenestini Mountains. With its technological exhibits, environmental education programs, and scientific research activities, the museum has been a key institution for biodiversity conservation and cultural events in Capranica Prenestina for over 20 years. Its displays, including digital dioramas, illustrate the habitats and biodiversity of the Prenestini Mountains.

Near the village of Guadagnolo, in the territory of Capranica Prenestina, lies the Sanctuary of Mentorella (12th–13th century), the oldest Marian sanctuary in Europe. Its origins are steeped in legend, celebrating the story of the martyr Saint Eustace, a soldier in Trajan’s army (98–118 AD), who is said to have seen the face of Christ appear between a stag’s antlers on this very cliff. In the 17th century, the Jesuit Athanasius Kircher attributed its foundation to the time of Pope Sylvester and Emperor Constantine. The sanctuary, perched spectacularly on the Prenestini Mountains overlooking the Giovenzano Valley, has been managed by the Polish Resurrectionist Fathers since 1883 and was frequently visited by Pope John Paul II during his pontificate.

The Mosciarella of Capranica Prenestina is a dried chestnut that has become a Slow Food Presidio under the name Mosciarella delle Casette di Capranica Prenestina. Drying takes place in the casette, small stone structures found in the Castagneto Prenestino Natural Monument. After harvesting from October to December, the chestnuts are spread on lattice floors (on the upper level of the casette) in a 70 cm layer and smoked for about a month.

The heat and smoke dehydrate and sanitize the fruit, giving it a delicate smoky aroma. Afterward, the chestnuts are pushed out through holes and beaten to separate the nut from its dry shell. Traditionally, they are eaten boiled in water or milk or added to legume or pork stews, lending a sweet and smoky touch. The Mosciarella can also be ground into flour for desserts and pasta.

Le Lane Andremmappa from Capranica Prenestina is a type of fresh pasta traditionally prepared on Sundays, recalling the area’s peasant past. Made from bran flour and water, the pasta has a dark mustard color and a rough texture, hence the name “hairy pasta.” Traditionally served with a cod sauce, this dish is listed in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste.

Le Sagne de Cotetta from Guadagnolo is a pasta made from water and flour, served with tomato sauce and a garlic pesto.

June

Guadagnolo (First Sunday) Ricotta Festival

A celebration rooted in the pastoral history of the village. Visitors can taste and buy ricotta and whey spread on bread, and watch the traditional cheese-making process.

August

Guadagnolo (First Sunday) Snail Festival

Stalls and tastings of snails (ciammaruchigli) cooked in a spicy tomato sauce according to an ancient recipe.

September

Capranica Prenestina (Last Sunday) Blackberry Festival

Wild blackberries from the mountains are made into jams, desserts, and served at an open-air feast in Piazza Pietro Baccelli.

November

Capranica Prenestina (Last Sunday) Mosciarella Festival

Celebrating its 44nd edition in 2025, this festival re-enacts the traditional chestnut drying process and offers food tastings in the historic town center, accompanied by folk music (stornelli capranicensi) and traditional dances (saltarelli).

Religious Festivals

Celebrated with historical processions, music, and fireworks:

• July 22: Mary Magdalene (Capranica Prenestina)

• July 25: James the Apostle (Guadagnolo)

• August 16: Roch (Capranica Prenestina)

• August (First Sunday after Ferragosto): Festa dell’Inchinata (Guadagnolo)

• August (Last Sunday): Madonna della Mentorella Festival (Mentorella Sanctuary)

• September (First Sunday): Mary of Grace (Capranica Prenestina)

Prenestino Chestnut Grove Natural Monument

Covering 166 hectares, this is one of Italy’s largest chestnut woods. Declared a natural monument in 2019, it boasts high biodiversity with species such as maples, oaks, ashes, hornbeams, lindens, and more. The area features both wild zones and cultivated sections with drying huts used for producing the Slow Food Mosciarella chestnut.

Monte Guadagnolo Special Conservation Zone

Spanning 570 hectares, this protected area surrounds Monte Guadagnolo and includes dry grasslands rich in biodiversity. Over 35 species of wild orchids thrive here, along with numerous butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, spiders, and wild bees.

Monte Guadagnolo Cliffs

A historic climbing site in Lazio, Guadagnolo (at 1,218 meters) offers breathtaking views over the Roman countryside. Its limestone cliffs, shaped by wind and weather, are known for unique vertical cracks and challenging holds, distinguishing it from other climbing spots in the region.

Hiking Trails

The mountains between Capranica and Guadagnolo are crisscrossed by trails like:

• Cammino Naturale dei Parchi (Stage IV, Palestrina to Guadagnolo, 20 km)

• Wojtyla Trail (Pisoniano to Mentorella Sanctuary)

• Crest Trail (connecting Capranica and Guadagnolo along the Prenestini ridge)

• Historic Ciuccio Trail leading to the Prenestino Chestnut Grove Natural Monument.