Cesi, Terni


Cesi is a frazione of the Italian comune of Terni, in the province of Terni, southern Umbria, Italy. The small borgo, which retains its late-medieval aspect, set among olive groves, lies "stretched out lengthwise along a narrow contour on the slopes of M. Torre Maggiore," about 18 km north of Terni at an altitude of 437 m, one of the southernmost peaks of the Monti Martani. As of 2001 there were 682 residents.

History

Testaments to the likely Umbrian origin of the site of Clusiolum are remains of walling slightly below the present village. Above it, near the peak of the Torre Maggiore are the remains of an Italic religious complex dating to the sixth century BCE, brought to light by an excavation.
The name Cesi derives from Late Latin caesa, a place cleared of woodland.
In the Middle Ages Cesi was a fief of the Arnolfi, the chief seat of the Terre Arnolfe. The family claimed descent from the Lombard Arnulf, who established himself in the region. The noble family of Cesi, dukes of Aquasparta, derive their name from this place. Of this family was Federico Cesi, founder of the Accademia dei Lincei, Rome.
During 10–14 July 1849, Garibaldi encamped here, on his retreat from Rome after the fall of the revived Roman Republic.

Places of interest