Cottanello, situated in a spur of the Sabine Hills at about 550 meters high, takes its name from the Aurelii Cottae, an important Roman family of Sabine origin who has lived at the house in Collesecco from the I century b.C. Discovered in 1968 and examined for about one third of its extension, it fascinates for the various mosaics that completely covered it. Cottanello is a typical medieval village and in its historical centre, till today protected by huge walls, visitors can admire a lot of decorations proving the dominion of the Orsini’s family who governed the village for many centuries. You come in through an arch of the VI century alongside an ancient medieval tower that today is the church of San Luigi. Later, crossing the characteristic arched windows and the majestic historical buildings, you can arrive to the centre of the village where there is the church of Sant’Andrea, patron of Cottanello. In the proximity of the village, set in a calcareous rock, is located the hermitage of San Cataldo, a cave church containing, in its interior, one of the most ancient fresco of the Sabine in Byzantine style. It illustrates Christ blessing in throne among the Apostles, with the TAU of St Francisco impressed in his right leg. Other important frescos of the years 1400s and 1700s decorate the little chapel. In the vicinity, the marble quarry of Cottanello and the wonderful meadows with the characteristic farmhouses.