Roccagorga is situated on Monte Nero, a hill in the southern Lepini mountains. Its origins date back to the aftermath of the destruction of Privernum in 796 AD although it was not until the Middle Ages that it began to develop on the second peak of Gorga, around the old Castle. It is named after the matron Gorga who, according to legend, settled on Monte Nero along with the Privernati refugees.