Boville Ernica
Welcome to Boville Ernica: the medieval village in the mountains of Lazio
If you are looking for a medieval village to spend a weekend away, Boville Ernica is definitely a destination to consider. Located in the mountains of Lazio, this town with a long history is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Let's discover more details about the city together.
The physical geography of Boville Ernica: a medieval village on a hill
Boville Ernica is situated on a lonely hill that allows for breathtaking panoramic views. The area of Boville Ernica is delimited by the walls of the medieval castle that house eighteen imposing towers. Once, the surrounding area was covered by forests and was intersected by the Amaseno stream, which still flows today not far from the city.
The region's climate can be defined as type D, that is, a warm and humid temperate climate, but generally, the best period to visit Boville Ernica is spring or summer.
Origins of the name Boville Ernica: between proto-history and the Middle Ages
The name Boville Ernica has an ancient history. In the past, the village was called "Bauco," a name that was changed only in 1907. Some votive terracotta findings depicting the bull in the Monte di Fico area suggest that the village had very close links with pre-Roman italic civilization. However, the name could also be related to the presence of large holes or caves to the north of the territory. Moreover, the village could have received its name due to the abundant presence of elderberry, a vegetation still present in the area.
The history of Boville Ernica: a town with Roman origins
Boville Ernica has three settlement phases: protohistoric, Roman, and medieval. Some evidence of the different epochs of the village's history can be seen in the remains of Iron Age settlements, in the megalithic walls of Monte di Fico, in the artifacts of the Roman period, and in the medieval city walls that enclose the entire historic center.
During the medieval period, the inhabitants of Boville Ernica, shocked by the total destruction caused by Saracens and Hungarians, decided to move to the hill, both to seek greater security and because of their fascination with the life of the holy pilgrim Peter the Spaniard. The town acquired great importance thanks to its strategic position and the strong defense provided by the 18 medieval towers. In 1204, the inhabitants of Boville Ernica managed to repel the attacks of the troops of the Kingdom of Naples, who intended to attack the Papal State. Pope Innocent III, to thank the valiant citizens, granted them administrative autonomy.
What to see in Boville Ernica: from medieval towers to the Romanesque church
Boville Ernica boasts a large number of tourist attractions that are worth a visit. The megalithic walls of Monte di Fico, the remains of the Iron Age, the medieval city walls with the eighteen towers of square or circular base are some of the attractions not to be missed.
The town also hosts a beautiful Romanesque church, the church of Sant'Erasmo, which dates back to the twelfth century and preserves precious frescoes.
What to do in Boville Ernica: nature, food, and tradition
Nature lovers can enjoy long walks discovering the idyllic landscapes of Boville Ernica and the surrounding mountains. There are also numerous outdoor activities available to visitors.
For foodies, Boville Ernica's cuisine features many traditional dishes of Lazio, such as bruschetta or pasta carbonara.
Finally, the best time to visit Boville Ernica might be during the feast of San Pietro, the saint who gave his name to the town. The festival falls on August 15th and offers a great opportunity to discover local traditions and participate in numerous cultural and religious events.
Conclusions
Boville Ernica is a must-visit destination for lovers of art, history, and nature. It boasts a long history, numerous tourist attractions, and excellent traditional cuisine. With its strategic location, medieval architecture, and traditions, this charming city is definitely a treasure of the Lazio region.
