The
villages just south of Rome are known as the Ciociaria.
Ciocie are the shoes/clogs worn with the folkloric/traditional
clothing of the area.
Anagni
is a charming medieval walled town and home to a few
popes. It sits on a hill with views over the Sacco River
Valley. You’ll enjoy the elegant palazzi, pretty
squares and towers here. Piazza Cavour is a lovely
square and there are nice views over the town and valley
from here. In this square you’ll find the Chiesa
di Santa Maria di Loreto (11th century).
The Boniface Palace/Palazzo di Bonifacio VIII is
in the old quarter as is the Palazzo Comunale (12th
century). The palazzo has some fine frescoes and a museum
about the history of Anagni. The Cathedral, Romanesque
in style (with Gothic touches), was built in 1074 and
rises on the site of the ancient Acropolis. Inside there
is a mosaic pavement by the Cosmati, a throne by Vassalletto,
an ornate and jewel encrusted candelabra also by Vassalleto
and a crypt with frescoes. There is also a tesoro/treasury
just next to the cathedral. Also of great interest is
the picturesque Barnekow House of the 14th century.
Just across from Barnekow House is the Chiesa di San
Andrea with a fine triptych inside. Wednesday is
market day in Anagni.
Alatri
is a pretty walled town built in the 6th century.
The town is built on a hill (the slopes of Monte Ernici)
covered in olive groves. The walls of the 4th
century Acropolis are particularly well preserved
(great views from here). You reach the Acropolis by walking
in from the Porta di Civita. As a matter of fact,
there are 6 gates still standing and they have turrets
and towers — very much a walled village. The duomo
is on the site of the Acropolis. Inside the duomo is an
important relic — "the Host Incarnate".
On the top of the hill in the main square/piazzale (after
climbing stairs and making your way through narrow streets)
is the Palazzo Gottifreddi (13th century
palace) which is now the Museo Municipio and the
13th century Romanesque Chiesa di Santa
Maria Maggiore (which houses the Madonna di Constantinople)
with a beautiful rose window, handsome fretwork and a
2 storey belfry.
Ferentino
is an ancient walled town (almost completely encircled)
overlooking the Sacco River Valley. The town was founded
in the 6th century. There are several gates
that allow access to the town (Porta Sanguinaria and Porta
Casamari). There’s an acropolis that dates
back to the 1st century. At the top of the
town is the duomo, a Romanesque building with work
by the Cosmati and Vassaletto (see the mosaics). The Bishop’s
Palazzo is also up at the top of the town. It would
be worth your while to visit the 13th century
Gothic Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore founded by
Cistercian monks. Ferentino also boasts some healing waters/baths
— The Terme di Pompeo.