The history of Trevinano

Trevinano is a small village located in the municipality of Acquapendente, in the province of Viterbo, at the border of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany

Its history is rich and fascinating, intertwined with the stories of noble families and historical events that have shaped this region.

The Origins and the Medieval Period
The first traces of settlements in Trevinano date back to the Etruscan era, as shown by the archaeological findings in the surrounding area. However, the village gained particular importance starting in the 9th–10th century when it became a significant landmark along the Via Francigena. This important road, travelled by pilgrims heading to Rome from all over Europe, passed through Trevinano, which provided rest and shelter after some challenging climbs, before continuing southward. Historical maps of the time mention the village under the name “Trivinano,” a term that might derive either from a nearby crossroads where roads to Perugia, Orvieto and Acquapendente converged or from its possible Etruscan origins.
The first historical document mentioning Trevinano dates back to January 1073. It is a parchment preserved in the State Archives of Siena, set out in the Codice Diplomatico Amiatino. In this deed of donation records Amanzio assigns all his property to the Monastery of SS. Salvatore on Monte Amiata and the document was drawn up by Judge Rallando in the castle of Trevinano itself. This testifies to the village’s importance at the time, likely as a stronghold and resting point along the Via Francigena, given the presence of the castle overlooking the Paglia Valley.

The Rule of the Viscounts and the Monaldeschi
In 1187, following a peace treaty between Orvieto and Acquapendente, Trevinano was assigned to the Viscounts of Campiglia, noble lords from Orvieto who already controlled the village before the wars of the 12th century. The Viscounts further fortified the village, building defensive structures, whose ruins still remain outside the urban centre.
In 1327, Latina dei Visconti of Campiglia married Corrado Monaldeschi, bringing half of Trevinano’s territory as her dowry. Later, the entire territory came under the control of the Monaldeschi della Cervara family. The family’s coat of arms can still be seen in the castle, which became the symbol of their power over the area.

The Bourbon del Monte and the Modern Era
At the end of the 16th century, the village underwent significant transformation. Pope Clement VIII, in response to a grievance caused by the Monaldeschi della Cervara, confiscated half of Trevinano’s properties and assigned them to the Apostolic Chamber. The other half was purchased by the Bishop of Orvieto, Cardinal Giacomo Simoncelli.
In the 17th century, the village came under the control of the Bourbon del Monte, a noble family that did not reside permanently in Trevinano but managed the territory through an administrator. Marquis Gian Mattia Bourbon del Monte, the first to settle in the village, held the rights of “patronage” over the parish church, a privilege previously granted to the Monaldeschi by Pope Pius IV. The surrounding forests, rich in oak and Turkey oak, were an important source of income, although extensive exploitation led to widespread deforestation.
The Canon of Saint Peter, Marquis Arimberto Bourbon del Monte, showed particular interest in Trevinano, embellishing the church and establishing the “Monte Frumentario” in 1744, a charitable institution aimed at assisting needy families in the village by providing grain loans.

The 20th Century and Today
The properties of the Bourbon del Monte family, including the castle of Trevinano, remained in their hands until 1910, when Marquess Stephanie Bourbon del Monte di Santa Maria, the last heir of the Florentine branch of the family, married Prince Paolo Boncompagni Ludovisi. In the 1930s, the houses in the village were sold to residents, who saw to their renovation.
By the end of World War II, there were over 40 farms on the Trevinano estate, owned by the Boncompagni Ludovisi princes. In 1949, the princes initiated a lawsuit against the De Gasperi Award regarding the distribution of agricultural products among tenant farmers.
In the 1950s, the industrialization of agriculture began, leading to an irreversible crisis in the sharecropping system and the abandonment of many farms. By the late 1950s, Countess Ippolita Naselli Boncompagni Ludovisi sold most of her properties, except for the one bearing her name, the “Poderetto Donna Ippolita.” Only four tenant families exercised their right of preemption, while the remaining estates were purchased by cooperatives of farm workers from Piansano.

In the 1970s, Princess Agnese Boncompagni Ludovisi also sold her properties. By the late 1980s, only six farms were still inhabited by farmers. During this period, most olive groves and vineyards were uprooted to facilitate mechanized farming, favouring cereal and forage crops. Later, funding supported reforestation efforts and extensive cherry orchards were planted on land that was once cultivated with olives and vines. However, within a few years, many of these fields returned to being pastures for sheep and cattle.
Today, Trevinano is a hamlet of Acquapendente, retaining its medieval character, with the castle still dominating the landscape. Once a gateway for pilgrims and a strategic stronghold, the village is now a place of tranquility and charm, attracting visitors in search of history, nature and authenticity.