Bassiano, land of hams and dinosaurs

Located just 94 kilometers from Rome, the village of Bassiano stands majestically among the Lepini Mountains, offering a unique and fascinating destination. Renowned for its exquisite ham, Bassiano hides secrets that go far beyond culinary delights. What's better than a serene day trip to this small village with one of our rental cars? Without the worry of making a trip, refueling, and, above all, choosing the car that suits you best?


Bassiano, founded in Roman times by Caracalla, is surrounded by an imposing city wall dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, giving the village a timeless medieval atmosphere.
Cobblestone streets wind picturesquely around the charming Piazza della Torre, making Bassiano a unique gem in all of Lazio.
Among alleys, views, and staircases, you'll lose yourself in the green and lush patches of oak, beech, and holm oak.
It's also closely linked to the University of Rome La Sapienza, which has initiated a project here called the Museum of Writing.
Besides restoring 18th-century prison graffiti in various rooms in the 16th-century Caetani Palace, the museum preserves documents that have profoundly influenced contemporary writing.
Inside the museum, you'll find documents containing some of Aldo Manuzio's orthographic innovations, a 15th-century publisher and grammarian who left behind innovations such as italics, the semicolon, and the pocket-sized book.

 

In addition to exploring the historic center, we recommend visiting the Sanctuary of the Crucifix, where you'll find the sculpture of the Crucifix of Pietrosanti, and the Sanctuary of the Trinity. But the biggest surprise is at the Horst Laboratory, a geology center dedicated to the study of the origin of planet Earth. Inside, it houses unique treasures, such as the precious dinosaur footprints from Sezze dating back 95 million years, the Plattenkalk (mineral sedimentation of the surrounding terrain) of Bassiano, and fossils from the Lepini and Ausoni Mountains.

Bassiano ham is unquestionably the star of these lands. The north wind blowing from the Lepini Mountains and the humidity of the Pontine Agro have always been favorable conditions for the aging of the salami, which is still produced on a home scale by some families and since the 1960s has become industrial production with a strong industrial connotation.
While you're there, don't miss tasting the delicious Bassiano sausages, flavored with fennel seeds and mandarin peels. If you visit the village between May and September/October, you can delight in truffles, featured in dishes like truffle polenta and truffle fettuccine.


How to Get to Bassiano from Rome: From Rome, Bassiano is reachable in about one hour and fifty minutes, covering a distance of 94 kilometers. Take Via Pontina/SS148 towards Str. della Chiesuola in Borgo Piave.

Bassiano is much more than a picturesque village. It's a place where history, gastronomy, and a touch of curiosity come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a gourmet in search of authentic flavors, Bassiano is ready to welcome you with open arms. Don't miss the opportunity to explore this hidden treasure and embark on a timeless adventure in the Lepini Mountains with one of our cars! Visit our Edilfar Rent branches to find the rental that suits you best!"