Castro dei Volsci
Discovering the Municipality of Castro dei Volsci
If you are looking for a historic place and want to immerse yourself in local culture, Castro dei Volsci might be the right choice for you. This municipality in Lazio, located on the plain below the Ausoni Mountains, offers a spectacular view of a territory characterized by hills rising up to 1100 meters above sea level. The municipality is crossed by the Sacco River, which originates in the Prenestini Mountains and flows into the Liri River southeast of Ceprano.
Physical Geography
The historic center is located on top of a projection of the Ausoni Mountains, from which you can admire a breathtaking panorama that stretches from Palestrina to Montecassino. The economic and commercial center is located lower down, in the plain below. The climate is classified as zone D, 1831 GR/G.
Origin of the Name
The name Castro derives from the Latin term "Castrum," which means "fortified place," "castle," while the name "Volsci" refers to the ancient population. The name of the town was known as "Castrum S. Petri" or "Castrum Castri" until 1816, when Filippo III Colonna relinquished his feudal rights over the town. It was then that the name was changed to Castro dei Volsci, to avoid problems of homonymy.
History
The area of Castro dei Volsci boasts an ancient history dating back to the pre-Roman era. On its territory, you can in fact admire the ruins of Montenero, dating back to remote times, surrounded by a majestic wall composed of very large stone blocks, typical of southern Lazio architecture.
According to popular legend, the wall was the work of giants, but in reality, it was a settlement erected by the Volsci, whose identity has also been hypothesized with the ancient center of "Castriminium". During the Roman era, rustic villas were built along the ancient road, including that of Casale, where a large building complex was identified. In the territory of Castro, the necropolis of a Germanic population was also discovered, providing information on an almost unknown period of Lazio's history.
After the year 1000, the strategic position of Castro dei Volsci made the village the property of the Papal State. In 1151, Pope Eugenio III consecrated the rural Church of Santa Croce and the same year donated vast possessions and two churches in the territory of Castro to the Cistercian monastery of Casamari.
If you are passionate about history, Castro dei Volsci offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in Roman times, from discovering the necropolis to visiting rustic villas.
What Some Tourists Say About Castro dei Volsci
Like every municipality in Lazio, Castro dei Volsci is loved by many tourists, making it a great destination for couples, families, and history enthusiasts. For example, many tourists mention the beautiful panoramic views that can be admired from the historic center and the surrounding area.
The architecture of the municipality is also highly appreciated, with its stone buildings and splendid ancient churches. Some churches were built in the Middle Ages and used as places of worship over the centuries.
But it's not just history and architecture that fascinate tourists. Local products are also highly appreciated, and lovers of gastronomy always leave satisfied after trying typical dishes of Lazio cuisine, such as white pizza, porchetta, and the famous broccoletti of Castro.
Events and Activities
Every year, the municipality organizes a patronal feast in honor of Saints Peter and Paul, whose celebration date falls on June 29th. It is a perfect opportunity to get to know the local culture and participate in the celebrations with the many inhabitants of the place.
Hiking trails are also highly appreciated in Castro dei Volsci, as the territory offers numerous choices of hiking trails, which are ideal for those who love walking and doing physical activity.
Conclusion
Castro dei Volsci is a municipality that offers many opportunities to get to know local culture, history, and gastronomy in Lazio. It's a perfect place for history and architecture enthusiasts, but also for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and do outdoor activities. It's an ideal destination for a day trip from the city or for a longer stay in a relaxing and unspoiled environment. If you are planning a visit to Lazio, we strongly recommend making a stop in Castro dei Volsci.
