Giulianello
Giulianello: A historical and natural gem
If you are looking for a place full of history and nature, Giulianello is undoubtedly the ideal destination. This hamlet of Cori, a municipality in the province of Latina, has within it monuments and places of interest that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Monuments and places of interest
The Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the sixteenth century, is one of the most important places of interest in Giulianello. Inside the church, it is possible to admire the statue of the Infant Jesus, dating back to the end of the eighteenth century. The church is the seat of the homonymous parish and represents a fundamental element of the community's spiritual life.
Another building of great historical interest is Palazzo Salviati, also dating back to the sixteenth century. This palace represents an example of Renaissance architecture. You can notice the rustic style portal, with a dentil cornice, and the ancient tower. The palace was restored during the nineties of the last century to allow its reopening to the public.
Last but not least, Lake Giulianello represents a natural gem set in the heart of the hamlet. The lake - originated from an abandoned quarry following the Second World War - was converted into a wetland to preserve the biodiversity that inhabits it. Here, it is possible to admire many animal species, including amphibians, aquatic birds, and a wide variety of insects.
History
Giulianello stands out from the beginning for its ancient origins. It is believed that the ancient castle of the fief belonged to Julius Caesar's family, namely the Gens Julia. This castle was then donated to Julius Caesar's niece, namely a certain Julia. This fact is attested by a burial urn dedicated to the Julia of Julius Caesar's family, which was discovered by the Franciscan Friars in 1684 on the hill of S. Lucia.
Giulianello was founded in 143 BC under the Western Roman Empire. It can be noted how the presence of the castles of Guliano and Rocca Massima shows how the castrense system involved Giulianello and Roccamassima.
The territory of Giulianello, and therefore also Monte Massimo, was part of a vast area covered by Mediterranean scrub around the 6th century AD. At this time, there was little presence of settlements, mainly composed of semi-nomadic shepherds who lived in small villages of huts. This model of life allowed the subsistence of pastoral communities who lived thanks to agriculture, exploiting pastures and wetter lands where herbs grew spontaneously.
The Roman patricians began to take an interest in the territory of Giulianello in the late imperial period. The distance of the main communication routes made the area sparsely populated and less accessible. However, the pleasantness of the place interested the Roman patricians for summer stays and hunting trips. Moreover, they built rustic villas, very similar to large farms, inside which the patrician nobles made one or more families of slaves who worked to support their family reside.
Throughout the Fundus Julianus, there are numerous remains of rustic villas. The so-called "casalinacci", in tuff and also in stone, represent an important cultural heritage that deserves to be enhanced.
Conclusions
Giulianello represents one of the most interesting hamlets in the province of Latina. Its millenary history and lush nature are elements that make it a destination not to be missed. There are many places of interest that deserve a visit, starting from the Church of San Giovanni Battista to the Salviati Tower, up to Lake Giulianello. In short, a real immersion in history and nature just a few kilometers from Rome.
