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From Montecompatri we proceed to Monte Porzio Catone that can be reached through a road flanked by vineyards and olive groves, which winds up to the picturesque centre of the city named after its renowned citizen Marco Porcio Catone the Censor or to Catone the Uticense, tutor of the son of Lucullus. In the church dedicated to St. Gregory the Great we can admire paintings by Ciro Ferri, Giacinto Brandi and by the Borgognone. From the main square it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking panorama. In its territory worth seeing also the important Villa of Mondragone by Martino Longhi. From Monte Porzio, with a short detour, we reach Colonna, the smallest village in the Roman province, named after the illustriuos family.Here beyond the family residence, it is possible to admire, inside the church of Saint Nicola, paintings by Carlo Maratta (1625- 1713), Carlo Chiappino (1759) and Duilio Cambellotti (1944). Noteworthy the font obtained from a shell, Tridacma gigas, probably one of the biggest in Europe. From Colonna a panoramic road goes up to Rocca Priora, the highest of the Roman Castles, situated at 768 meters on the sea level. The alleys, streets, and squares of this tiny village still preserve a characteristic medieval aspect.
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Leaving Rome, an itinerary which includes all the villages that form the area of the Roman Castles, can start from Montecompatri, picturesque village surrounded by an untouched landscape where vineyards and olive groves prevail. In the historical centre stands the important church of Saint Maria Assunta built by wish of cardinal Scipione Borghese, at few miles from the centre rises the sanctuary of St. Silvester dedicated to Pope Silvester I. The new church built in 1660 houses paintings by Luca Fiammingo and other painters disciples of Caravaggio. 