The presence of people in the area dates back to thePaleolithic, as shown by theLa Marmotta settlement in the nearbyAnguillara Sabazia.Etruscans were settled in the area for a long while: tombs from the 8th - 6th centuries BC have been found in the hills north of Trevignano; well-preserved artifacts from two of these tombs are on display at the local Roman Etruscan Museum. In 387 BC whenVeii fell, theRomans conquered the whole area and eventually built many villas on the lakeshore, some now below water. The magnificent imperial thermalspa and villa inVicarello and theAqueduct of Trajan were built later.
During theMedieval Age, Trevignano was owned by thePrefetti di Vico and theOrsini and defended by a fortress, built on the top of the city and destroyed during the war between the Borgia and the Orsini Family. Later the city became the property of some important Roman families:Odescalchi, Del Grillo, Cybo Malaspina, Conti,Torlonia, Ginori Conti and Del Drago.
The castle was erected around 1200 by order ofPope Innocent III, and later reinforced by theOrsini. It once had three layers of massive walls, but the siege ofCesare Borgia in 1497 and subsequent earthquakes have reduced the structures to a state of poor repair.
Trevignano Romano has considerably fewer inhabitants than the other two major towns overlooking Lake Bracciano, which are Anguillara Sabazia and Bracciano. Trevignano Romano does not have a train station either. These two characteristics have made the town much less a destination for internal emigration from the city of Rome and more of a tourist destination.
The village faces south, enjoying a mild climate year-round.Trevignano Romano's lakefront promenade, about a mile long and filled with gardens and bistros, is one of the most pleasant places to spend a few hours around Lake Bracciano.
A visit to the historic center should include the free-accessRoman Etruscan Museum in Vittorio Emanuele III Square.
Those who enjoy walking can climb to the top of the stone hill overlooking the historic center, where the remains of theOrsini Fortress, dating back to at least the 13th century, are located. From here there is a splendid view of Lake Bracciano.
Trevignano Romano has been awarded the Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club, relating to its historical-environmental heritage and tourist facilities.
For five consecutive years, Trevignano Romano has also been awarded theBlue Flag, an international recognition that sanctions the quality and cleanliness of the water and shoreline.
