Isola del Liri
Isola del Liri: a city on the water
Welcome to Isola del Liri, a charming city located in the province of Frosinone, in the heart of the Lazio region. This municipality, with just under 12,000 inhabitants, is famous for its unique location on the water, thanks to the presence of the Liri river which forms an island on which the historic city center has arisen.
Physical geography
Territory
The heart of Isola del Liri is located on an island with the imposing Grande waterfall, which is about 27 meters high. It is one of the few waterfalls in the world located in the historic center of a city. The cascade is created by the division of the Liri river into two branches, each of which forms a waterfall. The Valcatoio waterfall, whose fall follows an inclined plane of about 160 meters over a height difference of about 27 meters, is less spectacular but still impressive.
Climate
The climate of Isola del Liri is particularly humid due to the presence of the river that crosses and surrounds the city. The city is classified as zone D in the climatic classification of Italian municipalities and has 1916 Degree days. There is a meteorological station in the Borgonuovo area that follows the standards of the WMO.
Origin of the name
The name Isola del Liri derives from the site where the inhabited center developed: an island formed by the Liri river. The first recorded name of the city was "Insula Filiorum Petri", meaning "Island of the sons of Peter", the gastaldato of Sora. In reality, already in a document from 1004, a locality in the contado sorano was recorded called "Colle dell'Isola". In common use and in cartography it was always "Isola", sometimes with the specification "di Sora", because it is closely linked to Castelliri and nearby Sora.
History
Ancient Age
The origin of Isola del Liri is due to the two Roman Municipia of Arpino and Sora. In fact, the territory of the current municipality was divided between the two ancient centers.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Isola del Liri was under the control of the Normans and then of the Angevin kingdom of Naples. With the Angevin dynasty, the city underwent a long phase of development, both from a demographic point of view and artistic-architectural, during which many church and palace buildings were built. In particular, the construction of the splendid Carmine church (13th century) and the restructuring of the Boncompagni-Viscogliosi castle should be mentioned.
Modern and Contemporary Age
With the advent of the Bourbons and then with the introduction of the Kingdom of Italy, Isola del Liri underwent a progressive decline. In the post-war period, the city recovered thanks to the creation of new industries and the expansion of the agricultural sector.
What to visit in Isola del Liri
The city of Isola del Liri is rich in history, culture and traditions that can be discovered by strolling through its suggestive alleys. Below are some places of interest to see.
- Grande waterfall: it is the main tourist attraction of the city, a waterfall with two jumps about 27 meters high.
- Valcatoio waterfall: less known than the previous one, but still fascinating.
- Carmine church: one of the architectural icons of the city, dating back to the 13th century.
- Boncompagni-Viscogliosi castle: an imposing building dating back to the 13th century, which was expanded over the centuries and now houses the city museum.
- Mancino bridge: a large stone bridge that crosses the Liri river, built in the 15th century.
Where to stay and where to eat in Isola del Liri
Isola del Liri is a tourist city and therefore offers many opportunities for dining and accommodation. There are several hotels of various categories in the city, such as the Cinque Lune Hotel and the Wiki Hostel. As for dining, Isola del Liri is famous for its restaurants where you can taste local cuisine. Among the typical dishes are Ariccia pork, pasta alla gricia and chocolate desserts.
How to reach Isola del Liri
Isola del Liri is located about an hour's drive from Rome and Ciampino airport. For those arriving by train, the nearest railway station is Sora (Italy), which is only a few kilometers from the city. Alternatively, there are several bus lines that connect Isola del Liri to the surrounding cities.
Conclusions
Isola del Liri is one of the most suggestive cities in the Lazio region, thanks to its location on the Liri river and its beautiful waterfalls. Visiting it is an unforgettable experience that we recommend to all those who want to discover the hidden treasures of Italy.
