Ferentino
Ferentino: a town rich in history and charm
If you are in the province of Frosinone, in Lazio, you cannot miss a visit to Ferentino, a town of about 20,000 inhabitants, perched on a hill overlooking the valley of the Sacco river, also known as Trerus in ancient times. In this friendly tourist guide, we want to accompany you in discovering this town, telling you about its millenary history, most characteristic events and most interesting attractions.
Physical geography
Territory
Ferentino is located at the center of a North-South and East-West axis of great importance, being crossed by the ancient Casilina and the modern Autostrada del Sole, as well as by Anticolana and the Ferentino - Sora - Avezzano expressway. The municipal territory is very extensive, and includes a great tourist attraction, Lake Canterno, ideal for spending a day surrounded by nature in total relaxation.
Climate
As for the climate, Ferentino is located in zone D, with an average annual rainfall of 1,913 mm and an average temperature of 14.2°C.
History
The origins of Ferentino
The origins of Ferentino date back to very ancient times and it is difficult to distinguish legend from historical reality. According to legend, the god Saturn settled in this territory, founding the city and spreading arts and techniques. Testifying to his presence, the majestic cyclopean walls, a wall composed of dry-laid and interlocking stone blocks, about 2,500 meters long, with 12 gates, still exist today. The name Ferentinum, present participle of the Latin verb "ferre," which means "to produce," testifies to the ingenuity of the inhabitants and the fertility of the place.
Wars for the possession of the area
Between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, the peoples of the Ernici, Volsci, and Romans clashed for possession of the area, which represented an important strategic crossroads in the peninsula. Rome first found in Ferentino a stubborn opponent and then a faithful ally, since the city gave birth to prominent figures, first of all Aulus Hirtius, a confidant of Julius Caesar, governor of Gaul, Roman consul, and writer.
The Roman period
With the advent of the Roman legions, Ferentino was enriched by important monuments, such as the Covered Market, the theater, the Will of Aulus Quintilius Priscus, the traces of the ancient baths, the remains of the aqueduct and the paved road of the Via Latina.
The Early Middle Ages
The nascent Christianity already present in the Roman era allowed Ferentino's society of the Early Middle Ages to host numerous dioceses and places of worship. Among these, the cathedral dedicated to the Martyr Saints John and Paul, built on the remains of an ancient pagan temple and a previous Christian church, integrally paved with mosaics, and the Gothic Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria Maggiore, a prototype for the construction of the Abbey of Fossanova, stand out.
The Late Middle Ages
The events of the Late Middle Ages are dominated by the figure of Celestine V, the "Pope of the Great Refusal." The monastery of Sant'Antonio Abate, founded by him, housed his remains before they were transferred to the nearby church of S. Agata, from which they were then stolen to the Abbey of Collemaggio. However, Ferentino still houses Celestine's heart, kept at the Clarisse Sisters' monastery: in his honor, since 2002, the traditional Palio, or ring tournament, is held every year.
Ferentino and the papacy
From 1198 to 1557, Ferentino was the capital of the provinces of Campagna and Marittima (i.e., southern Lazio), thanks to Pope Innocent III, who made it his privileged seat. This gave the city great prestige and strong visibility in the Italian peninsula.
What to see in Ferentino
Ferentino is a city full of historical monuments, from which emerges a wise mix of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture. Among the main tourist attractions, the historic center stands out, with the Cathedral of Saints John and Paul and the Archaeological Civic Museum, which collects numerous artifacts from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times. Near the historic center is the Abbey of Santa Maria Maggiore, an example of Gothic Cistercian architecture of great charm.
The Palio of Ferentino
The Palio of Ferentino is one of the most important events of the city. The event, which takes place every year since 2002, is a modern interpretation of a millennia-old tradition: that of the ring tournament. The event takes place between May and June and involves all the districts of the city that compete in a parade and various skill tests in honor of Celestine V, co-patron of the city.
Conclusions
Ferentino is a city of rich historical and architectural charm, where you can breathe an ancient and solemn atmosphere, collecting artifacts from prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times. If you are in its vicinity, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit it and get to know its millenary history.
