The Haughty Papacqua

The name of the district, whose characteristic colors are green and red, was derived from the beautiful fountain attached to the Palazzo Albani-Chigi. The system is powered by a spring that flows on site and was built alongside the first floor of the palace by Cardinal Cristoforo Madruzzo in the second half of the sixteenth century. The construction was completed in the 18th century by the Albani family.

The building complex was occupied until the fifties by members of the Chigi family; it suffered the effects of degradation in the later decades. Today, only the stables and the fountain have been visited and restored.

The presence in the neighborhood of an architectural complex of this artistic and proud sentimental values the Contrada, that during the traditional Sunday parade, presents the members of the Madruzzo, and Albani families, as well as court-life. The Taverna delle Acqua (Water Tavern) was set up by Pope Innocent VIII (Google Maps).

The district (contrada) is divided between the alleyways and narrow streets of the Renaissance and Eighteenth-century Soriano that surround the palace. It is the district that has won the most palios.

The Noble Trinità

The Noble Trinità takes its name from two Augustinian churches and annexed convents: the rocky and now dilapidated church of the Holy Trinity located on Mount Cimino, and the other one located within the town walls.

The tradition can be traced back to the construction of the first of Saint Augustine of Ippona.

Enlarged by Nicholas III Orsini, restored by Cardinal Egidio of Viterbo, it was abandoned during the eighteenth century by the Augustinian Fathers, who transferred to the city convent. Presently, it is a municipal headquarters built together with the church during the seventeenth century.

In the sixteenth century Cardinal Egidio gave the Augustinians a thirteenth  table depicting the Madonna and Child. Today it is preserved in the church of the Holy Trinity (also known as Saint Augustine) which is perhaps the work of the highest artistic value presently in Soriano.

Inside the neighborhood, you can also admire ancient alleys, small squares and the hilltop of Bastia where an ancient castle built by the Guelphs emerged (but no longer remains).

It is the homeland of the Old Lady of Carnaiolo whose experience every year, during the parade and demonstration of the battle of the Ditch of Good Encounter, is revived.

During the parade Popes, Cardinals, and Noblemen contribute to make the reenactments more lively.

The historical group of musicians and flag-wavers are cheered by the neighborhood that, in the modern and ancient streets adorned with yellow ochre and red cardinal decorations host the tourists.

In the Taverna della Vecchietta (Tavern of the Old Lady), which is located on via Roma, you can enjoy typical dishes and good wine (Google Maps).