Have you already visited the ghost town of Celleno, for a trip back in time?

Have you already visited the ghost town of Celleno? In this short article, we recommend you visit one of the most mysterious villages characteristic of the Lazio region. Celleno is part of all those villages called ghost because they have been abandoned over time for various reasons, in this case geological. It is located in the province of Viterbo, in the Tuscia area.

This ghost village has been revamped in recent years and has become a great tourist attraction, both for its particular views that can be seen during the visit, and for the events that are organized year after year by the local community, such as the famous Cherry Festival which takes place every year between May and June.

What to see in the ghost town of Celleno?

Far from the mere ruins you might expect, the ancient village of Celleno will surprise you with suggestive corners and a fascinating reality. The visit usually begins with the Franciscan convent of S. Giovanni, which houses a beautiful frescoed cloister, a monumental well and a park of centuries-old holm oaks.

We then continue towards the church of S. Rocco, adorned with Renaissance frescoes and a crucifix attributed to the school of Donatello. Through Via del Ponte, you can reach the gateway to Celleno, flanked by the majestic Orsini Castle, once owned by the famous painter Enrico Castellani.

In the small square, in addition to the church of S. Donato, you can admire what remains of the church of S. Carlo, where a collection of ancient gramophones. You will be able to continue exploring the houses still standing whose interior spaces from the early twentieth century have been recreated, thanks to donations.

And then, again, the ancient oven, the cobbler’s shop, the kitchens dug into the rock, will give you the possibility of a real journey through time, making a unique experience of everyday life that was done in the past.

In the local museum you can see precious ceramic objects from the Middle Ages and Renaissance from an exceptional find. It is also interesting to know what appears to be in all respects an “Etruscan warehouse” dug into the tuff which houses various interesting objects from the Etruscan era such as vases that were used for cooking food and a glirarium, or a terracotta container (dolium) formed from various compartments used for breeding dormice for food use.