Village of Trevinano

This hamlet of the Municipality of Acquapendente, in the province of Viterbo, covers a territory ranging from 300 metres at the Elvella stream plain to 699 metres at the "Monaldesca" area. The village, perched on a steep promontory known as the "Balza," offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, mountains, valleys and surrounding villages.
Trevinano is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses and a medieval castle that dominates the surrounding landscape, with spectacular views overlooking Val di Chiana and the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, with numerous hiking trails winding through the countryside.

Trevinano, with its castle of the Monaldeschi della Cervara, now Boncompagni Ludovisi family, and its parish church retain the charm of an ancient "Castrum." Its main streets, Via Bourbon del Monte and Via Porta S. Lorenzo, wind along rows of houses, some of which feature original faҫades clad in sheet metal, a solution adopted by residents to protect against the humidity brought by the south winds. The castle, which towers over the village, is surrounded by a park and still preserves elements of medieval and Renaissance architecture, such as the ashlar portal of the old farmhouse, surmounted by the Monaldeschi family coat of arms.

The climate in Trevinano is generally dry and pleasant, with cold but rarely snowy winters. Strong winds, especially the south winds, often sweep through the village, though fog is almost always absent, allowing the sun to shine even when the surrounding valleys are shrouded in a thick mist.

The area around the village, predominantly hilly and covered with woods of Turkey oaks, oaks and other local tree species, is characterized by its unique geology. The land, of Pliocene origin, is composed by clay and pudding limestone, layered sedimentary rock formations that bear witness to the long geological history of the area. The presence of rounded pebbles and fossils of ancient crustaceans is a reminder of a time when these lands were covered by water.

The surrounding territory is rich in wooded areas, many of which fall within the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, named after the hill that rises to 734 metres above sea level. The area is crisscrossed with numerous trails, suitable for hiking, biking or horseback riding. Trevinano is part of the Alta Tuscia del Paglia Ecomuseum, named after the Paglia River, which flows through the valley south of the village.

Despite agricultural challenges posed by the nature of the soil, the local economy still relies on the cultivation of cereals, legumes and forage, on traditional farming practices and on the production of olive oil and wine. The surrounding forests are teeming with wildlife, including wild boars, hares and foxes, making hunting one of the area’s traditional activities.
Trevinano offers visitors and residents a serene and well-kept environment where human warmth and tranquility blend in with the natural and historical beauty of the landscape. Although major industrial establishments are lacking, the village retains a unique atmosphere, far from the problems of urban life, offering clean air, excellent cuisine and genuine hospitality instead.