Accogliestevi

Accogliestevi is a small municipality in the province of Viterbo, located in the Lazio region of central Italy. The town covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometres and has an elevation of 300 metres above sea level. As of the latest census, the population is around 1,200 residents, with a slightly higher proportion of women than men. The local dialect is a blend of standard Italian and a regional Viterbese variant.

The history of Accogliestevi dates back to the Late Antiquity period, when the site was first inhabited by a community of farmers and craftsmen. During the medieval era the town grew around a fortified hilltop castle that served as a defensive structure against Saracen incursions. In the 18th century Accogliestevi came under the influence of the House of Farnese, and later became part of the Papal States until the unification of Italy in 1870. The town’s most significant architectural feature is the Church of Santa Maria del Poggio, a Romanesque building that contains frescoes from the 14th‑15th centuries.

The economy of Accogliestevi is largely agricultural, with olive oil and wine production forming the backbone of local commerce. In recent years the municipality has promoted agro‑tourism, offering farm stays and culinary experiences that showcase the region's winemaking and olive‑oil traditions. The annual festival “Festa dell’Olio” attracts visitors from neighbouring towns and highlights local crafts, music, and traditional cuisine.

Accogliestevi is served by a regional bus line that connects it with the provincial capital of Viterbo and the nearby town of Barberino di Mugello. The local elementary school provides primary education, while secondary students commute to larger schools in Viterbo. Public services include a volunteer fire department, a community health centre, and a small museum dedicated to the town’s medieval history. The municipality’s administrative structure consists of an elected mayor and a city council, with a focus on preserving the local cultural heritage while encouraging sustainable development.