Cori
C. From its foundation to the present day, the city of Cori has undergone many ups and downs, including the invasion of the Volsci in the 5th century BC, Roman rule from the 3rd century BC, and barbarian invasions during the end of the Roman Empire.
During the Republican period, Cori was an important commercial and production center, so much so that its water drainage system, an underground aqueduct about 13 km long, was considered one of the best of the period.
Medieval and modern history
In the Middle Ages, Cori was contested by various powers, including the Caetani, Colonna, and Orsini families. In the 13th century, the church of Santa Oliva was founded, while in the 15th century, the city came under Neapolitan domination, also suffering from several epidemics.
In the 18th century, with the advent of the Bourbons in Naples, Cori underwent an administrative reform that led to the distinction between Cori Monte and Cori Valle. In the 19th century, following the unification of Italy, the city experienced a period of economic development, thanks to the construction of roads and bridges for communication.
During World War II, Cori was the scene of fierce fighting between the Germans and the partisans, which also led to the destruction of some historic buildings.
Monuments and places of interest
The Historic Center
Cori's historic center extends on a hill with a series of uphill streets, narrow alleys, and stairways leading to the main squares. Many of the houses are built of stone, with characteristic arched windows and wrought-iron balconies.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is Cori's main place of worship and is located in the upper part of the historic center. Built in the 16th century, it features a baroque architecture with a high marble facade characterized by a central rose window and several statues.
Town Hall
Cori's Town Hall is a 15th-century building that houses the municipality's offices. The building has a Renaissance-style facade with a marble portal and several arched windows.
Church of San Francesco
The Church of San Francesco, located in the lower part of the historic center, is a 14th-century building. It features a clay and brick facade, a central rose window, and a sail bell tower.
Pompeo Theater
The Pompeo Theater, located in the upper part of the historic center, is an ancient Roman theater dating back to the 1st century BC. Restored in the 19th century, it features a horseshoe-shaped structure with semicircular steps and a marble stage.
Cuisine
Cori's cuisine is characterized by the simplicity of its dishes, prepared with few but high-quality ingredients. Among the specialties are "fusilli with pork sauce," "chickpea and pecorino gnochetti," "amatriciana tagliatelle," "cacio e uova," and "porchetta."
Among the desserts are "struffoli," a kind of small fried dumplings coated with honey or sugar, and "ricotta and chocolate tart."
Cultural Events
Feast of Santa Oliva
The Feast of Santa Oliva is one of Cori's main cultural events, held every year in mid-July. During the festival, there are processions and musical performances, as well as stalls with gastronomic products.
Porchetta Fair
The Porchetta Fair is held every year in mid-August, with the participation of various producers of porchetta and other local food products. During the fair, there are also concerts and theatrical performances.
Conclusions
Cori is a small hillside town in Lazio that retains its ancient charm, with a series of monuments and places of interest that testify to its long history. The local cuisine, simple but tasty, is another strong point of this town, which has preserved its gastronomic traditions. The cultural events held every year, such as the Feast of Santa Oliva and the Porchetta Fair, are an opportunity to discover the true spirit of Cori and its people.
