Castelnuovo Parano
Castelnuovo Parano: history, culture, and places of interest
Castelnuovo Parano is a town located in the province of Frosinone, in Lazio, with a population of 855 inhabitants. This town is divided into four inhabited centers: Terra (the main town), Casali, Pimpinelli and Cisterna on Mount Perano, as well as the location Valli-Sant'Antonio Abate.
Physical geography
The inhabited center of Castelnuovo Parano is distributed in four different locations with different altitudes, with the lower part extending along State Road 630 in the Ausente valley. The climate of the town is classified as zone D, with an average annual rainfall of 1698 mm.
Origin of the name
The name of Castelnuovo Parano derives from the castle that the abbot Desiderio of the Montecassino Abbey had erected on Mount Parano to defend and delimit the borders of the Terra di San Benedetto. This castle was built to defend the abbey's possessions from the outside, and the town took its name from it.
History
Castelnuovo Parano has a long history dating back to the eleventh century, when abbot Desiderio built this castle. During the Second World War, the town was heavily damaged due to the clashes that took place along the Gustav Line. The town also suffered strong emigration due to the lack of work, later mitigated by the industrialization of the Cassino area.
Monuments and places of interest
Castelnuovo Parano offers numerous places of interest, including churches and religious architecture, such as the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, contemporary to the construction of the fortress, and the chapels of the Vergini di Costantinopoli and delle Grazie, built around the sixteenth century. These structures still retain their typical architecture and are of great historical and artistic value.
The town is also known for the stone-paved path used by the patron saint of Castelnuovo Parano, Saint Mauro Abbot, when he arrived in Castelnuovo Parano from Montecassino. Along the path, it is possible to see the stone on which Saint Mauro knelt, which took the shape of his knee.
Military architecture
In the historic center, it is still possible to admire the tower and walls of the ancient fortress together with the three gates to the walled village.
Society
The population of Castelnuovo Parano has decreased in recent decades due to emigration, but there are still numerous families and residents proud of their roots. Currently, according to ISTAT data, only eight foreign people live in Castelnuovo Parano.
In summary, Castelnuovo Parano is a small town but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its history is linked to the Montecassino Abbey, which has influenced the development of this place over the last 1000 years. Castelnuovo Parano is a must-visit for those who love Italian history, art, and culture.
