Campodimele
Discovering Campodimele: a small town between hills and mountains
Hello friends! Today I will tell you about Campodimele, a small town in Lazio that is part of the circuits of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Located on top of a karst origin hill, it is surrounded by beautiful wooded hills and barren mountains of the Ausoni and Aurunci mountain ranges.
Physical Geography
The territory of Campodimele is located in the province of Latina and belongs to the climatic classification: zone E, 2265 GR/G.
History
Campodimele is an ancient settlement that has very distant origins. According to tradition, the name of the town would derive from "Campus Mellis", that is "Field of Honey", but this hypothesis has been denied. The first certain news dates back to 1072, when the counts of Fondi donated their assets to the monastery of Montecassino, including "Campo de Melle" and the convent of Sant'Onofrio.
The village was included in the County of Fondi and then passed to the Caetani family. In 1492, the territory of the entire county of Fondi was granted by the king of Naples to the general Prospero Colonna. Subsequently, Campodimele became the property of the Carafa## Princes of Stigliano and then of the Miroballo family, who continued to bear the title of "duke of Campomele". In 1689, the county of Fondi was devolved to the treasury and the king donated it to the Austrian family Mansfeld, who acquired the title of prince. In 1721, Campodimele passed to the Di Sangro family and then, with the abolition in 1806 of the feudal system, was inserted into the new municipal system.
Places of interest: the Basilica of Sant'Onofrio
One of the most suggestive places in Campodimele is certainly the Basilica of Sant'Onofrio, whose first testimonies date back to the 10th century. The basilica is located on a hill, where the ancient convent of Sant'Onofrio once stood, donated by the counts of Fondi to the monastery of Montecassino in 1072. Inside the basilica, it is possible to admire the sculpted portal that bears the name of S. Onophrius de Campo de Melle.
Typical products: traditional dishes and olive growing
Campodimele is famous for its delicious traditional dishes, such as sausage, durum wheat bread, and the famous Campodimele salad, prepared with cabbage, onions, tomatoes, oil, lemon, pepper, and salt. In addition, the town is renowned for the production of extra virgin olive oil, with unique organoleptic characteristics and limited production.
Events and festivals
Campodimele is also characterized by the presence of numerous events and festivals, including the Festival of the Bread Fair, which is held every year in August, the Feast of Sant'Onofrio, patron saint of the town, on June 12th, and the traditional Sausage Fair, which takes place on the last weekend of September.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Campodimele is a place that will surprise you with its beauty and its millennial history. Surrounded by hills and mountains, it offers a characteristic natural environment that will make you feel in full contact with nature. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this splendid town in Lazio and discover all its wonders!
