The city is located in the Cimini mountains, over two tuff scarps, on the southeastern slope of the former volcano crater now housing Lake Vico.

[3] The city's economy is based largely on agriculture, with production of nuts, chestnuts and wine.

In 1526 Ronciglione became a possession of the Farnese, and lived its period of greatest splendour: its industries included manufacturing of copper, iron, paper, weapons and others.

The Ronciglionesi took active part in the Roman Republic of 1798–99: the French troops, however, crushed the revolt and burnt the city on July 20, 1799.

Established as a derivative of the Renaissance Carnival of Rome, it has typical "empty races" in which the horses are left to run without riders.