The upper tiber valley
MONTE SANTA MARIA TIBERINA

Originally an Etruscan village on the right side of Tiber river, populated during the roman age, it was a Longobard fief (VII - VIII Century) and then given to Barone Ariberto di Bourbon whose progeny joined their name to the territory and kept a high autonomy level.
Because its advantages, the marquisate had its own money (florin) and it was the place of one of the three "free land's" in Italy, where it was possible to fight duels to the death. In 1815 Duke Ferdinando di Toscana interrupted the thousand years old domination.
The Ascension Feast is very famous and follows old traditions.
The Bourbon Palace, currently being restored represents an emblem of the village and its' past. The village holds a superb position on the top of a hill covered by oak, chestnut, and beech woods and populated by ungulates, nutrias and birds of prey. It overlooks the valley and still conserves a mediaeval aspect thanks to its' perfect facade, houses, and steep, small streets renovations. Since the early part of the century it conserves a "Cristo Morto - Dead Christ" by Luca Signorelli in front of Boncompagni Palace.
Nearby is the medieval Lippiano Castle and the 14th century Torre di Marzano (Marzano Tower) with the San Giovanni Battista Church ruins.