Museo della preistoria della Tuscia e della Rocca Farnese

Inaugurated in 1996, the Museum is located in the highest part of the town of Valentano, housed in the refurbished monumental Rocca Farnese, in the heart of the historic centre. It is divided in two main sections: Prehistoric, and Mediaeval Renaissance and Modern. Artefacts from the most important sites of the north of the Lazio region (Tuscia) and dating back to a period running between the late Palaeolithic and the early Iron Age are exhibited in the first section. In the second section, there are finds that narrate the development of the territory starting from the early Middle Ages, with particular attention to the history of the Farnese family between 1300 and 1600. The collection of majolicas in the so-called butti of the castle is remarkable, including the wedding supplies of Pier Luigi Farnese and Gerolama Orsini (1519). In a small room of the tower, a collection with precious ceramics from Cerveteri and Vulci donated by Bishop Giovanni D’Ascenzi is exhibited. Rocca Farnese, inhabited by the family of the same name from the mid-15th century until the destruction of Castro, constitutes an interesting architectural and historic-artistic itinerary, including the Cortile d’Amore and the well of Sangallo, the loggia of Paolo III and the “Scala Santa”. the panoramic terrace from which the top of the great octagonal Tower can be accessed. The panoramic terrace from which the top of the great octagonal Tower can be reached is charming and picturesque.