Just forty kilometers east of Rome, the town of Palestrina rises gracefully on the slopes of the Prenestini Mountains, guarding centuries of history. Known in antiquity as Praeneste, it was once a thriving Latin city and the site of the grand Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia, one of the most extraordinary architectural complexes of the ancient world. This one-hour lecture explores Palestrina’s transformation from a center of ancient prophecy to a medieval stronghold of the Colonna family and a Renaissance town rich in art and legend. We will trace the layers of its history through its archaeology, myths, and monuments, from the remarkable Nile Mosaic to the medieval cathedral and Palazzo Barberini. Join us for a journey into a hillside town where the echoes of Rome’s past still resonate in every stone and view across the Lazio landscape.