| Zagarolo is situated in a two-metres-long
ravine flanked by two torrents. Its origin is uncertain: probably
it was founded by the inhabitants of the Gabii survived from the
invasion of Tarquinio il Superbo, but probably it was inhabited
by the Sagarii during the age of Julius Caesar, these were craftsmen
specialized in the production of the Sagum, the soldier's
greatcoat. Ruins of that period, which are numerous in this place
marks the presence of long and constant settlements. The first
certain news on Zagarolo can be dated back to 970 when Pope Giovanni
XIII (965-972) gave his territory to his sister Stefania of the
Conti di Tuscolo, obliging her to build some castles to counter-attack
Saracens' invasions. The town is called Gazarolo in a document
written in 1101 during the struggle between Pope Pasquale II (1099
– 1118) and Pietro Colonna, whose family owned the town.
During the 13th century it was conquered and destroyed by Boniface
VIII (1294-1303) and in 1493 it was destroyed again by the cardinal
Vitelleschi.
In 1587 the town was rebuilt by the Colonna and it obtained
the statute by Camillo Colonna, whose son, Pompeo, took part
in the Lepanto's Battle; to remember this battle was built
the gate of San Martino, which is named after the nearby quarter
with the mole built for Pope Martino V (1417-1431).
In 1569 the Colonna were given the title of Dukes by Pope Pius
V (1556-1572). In the 17th century began the town's decadence.
Marzio Colonna was indebted because of the great expenses sustained
for widening and beautifying the town. In 1622 Pier Francesco
Colonna always in debt sold Zagarolo to the Ludovisi, and this
family sold it to the Rospigliosi in 1670. Among the guests
of this family Carlo VIII di Borbone. In 1859 Pius IX (1846-1878)
declared Zagarolo a municipality.
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