Ciociaria: Art & History

Discover a secret bit of central Italy, Ciociaria, filled with hidden gems, stunning landmarks and attractions to be uncovered and explored. You will be fascinated by walled towns, castles, fortresses and other medieval treasures of the region as well as by the most marvellous testimonies of pre-roman italic civilization – cyclopic walls, that popular fantasy has imagined to be built by Cyclops, fabulous and gigantic figures from ancient mythology. And of course your visit would not be complete without stopping by beautiful monasteries and churches. Even if you’re not religious, these architectural masterpieces demand your attention just due to their history and their majesty! Everyone loves Italy and people seem to love the same destinations. Let us introduce you to a new spot, a new destination that, we are sure, you will love –

CIOCIARIA

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ANAGNI

Anagni is frequently referred to as the city of the Popes. It was the Papal summer residence for long periods during the medieval age and four Popes were born there. The Cathedral of Anagni was constructed during the years 1071-1105 and its Romanesque facade looks like many others in Italy. But step into the crypt and things suddenly change. The frescoes covering the walls and ceiling blaze with color and amaze with the range of images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERTOSA DI TRISULTI (Collepardo)

Rising up at an altitude of 825 metres, immersed in secular oak woods of the Hernici Hills, bordering the National Park of Abruzzo, the Carthusian Monastery or Certosa is the perfect place to regenerate and find serenity, to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of emotions, art and culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUMONE

“Quando Fumone fuma, tutta la Campagna trema” – “when there is a smoke sign from Fumone, people from Campania – the medieval name of Ciociaria – trembled”. The name of the town “Big smoke” comes about from an important function it once held – sending smoke signals to warn Rome of advancing intruders. A stroll through a charming labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets will take you to the famous Castle of Fumone, known as Longhi Castle as per its owners – Longhi family,who owns the castle since 1586. The castle is associated with ghosts, apparitions and strange noises. Are these tales legends or reality? … the choice is yours 🙂 The castle holds a beautiful surprise as well – a splendid rooftop terrace garden at 800 meters above the sea level offering you mighty views of Ciociaria’s countryside!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASAMARI ABBEY (Veroli)

Casamari Abbey has been in continuous service since the 13th century and today, approximately 20 monks continue to make their lives at the abbey. The public is welcome to visit and have a sample of the spiritual life of the faithful monks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VICO NEL LAZIO

Why should you visit Vico nel Lazio?
This small town is surrounded by a medieval wall with 25 towers and three main gates that are kept basically intact form the Middle Age to our times and is rich of monuments and artisitic attractions that are many centuries old.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SERMONETA

A picturesque medieval town, a maze of narrow, winding streets, alleyways and steep flights of stairs. Set high, surrounded by hillsides that are covered with olive groves, chestnut and beech trees, enclosed by formidable fortified walls of limestone , Sermoneta, with its majestic castle, is really worth a visit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NINFA GARDENS

The most romantic garden in the world, a dream-like place, definitely a highlight of the entire region of Lazio. You will discover the ruins of a medieval town, of the castle and its walls, of churches and residential buildings, in a splendid natural settings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISOLA DEI LIRI

The name in itself seems intriguing, charming and poetical. 🙂
It’s the only Italian town with two waterfalls within the old city limits. Enjoy the view of Cascata Grande, a vertical fall of 27 m, then walk through the historical centre to the smaller waterfall Cascata del Valtacatoio – you will be whirled along and you will want to stay at Isola dei Liri for as long as possible!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERENTINO

Ferentino attracts tourists from all over the world. The primary reason for visiting this region is the fact that it has a large collection of ancient fortifications that have been preserved over the years and serve as a fine monument of ancient architecture. situated at the highest point and being a work of art of suggestive beauty, the Acropolis of Ferentino, together with its Cathedral and Episcopal Palace, is one of the most important sights of Ferentino is its acropolis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALATRI

There are cities that still today attract the interests of the experts, that still today arouse our curiosity. A city of Ciociaria that fits the description is Alatri. You would ask why? Nobody can explain how the city was established and that’s why the 19th century archaeological traditions claimed the city was founded by God Saturn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAN DONATO VAL DI COMINO

The village of ancient houses, a labyrinths of stone characterized by winding tiny and narrow streets, covered passages and small squares, a perfect medieval design that had defensive and climatic necessities. The village, leaned on the slopes of the Apennines, on the cliffs of Monte Pizzuto, offers visitors fantastic views on the surrounding countryside. San Donato Val di Comino is listed within “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia” (the most beautiful villages of Italy) and has been awarded “La Bandiera Arancione” (an orange flag).

BOVILLE ERNICA

The old town is released from cars and you can explore the Boville quietly. You will be amazed by its ancient narrow tortuous streets, charming small squares and alleys as well as by its architectural complexes of splendid palaces adorned with ornate portals, three-mullioned windows , valuable flooring and monumental staircases. And from here you can continue your walk along the city walls to enjoy grand views of the hills of Ciociaria. Boville Ernica is listed within “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia” (the most beautiful villages of Italy).

 

THE ABBEY OF MONTECASSINO

Perched on the mountain top, the Abbey of Montecassino is truly a unique place. It is charming in its timeless beauty and you will not find a better place to engage in prayer and meditation. The Abbey, full of history and life, is open to visitors although it is still a working monastery and pilgrimage site and, believe us, it ‘s worth making a special journey to see this incredible place!