Casilina
Exploring Via Casilina: A Journey Through History and Landscapes
Are you ready to discover Via Casilina? This medieval road, which connected Rome to Casilinum (now Santa Maria Capua Vetere), still retains the charm of a distant past. Let's embark on a journey through its landscapes and history together.
Itinerary: Discovering the Current Route
The current route of Via Casilina begins at Porta Maggiore in Rome and enters the Roman countryside before crossing the Sacco valley and the Liri valley. It passes through the center of Cassino and then enters Campania, crossing the Alto Casertano and joining the Appian Way in the municipality of Pastorano. The total length of the road is about 200 kilometers.
But what is the origin of the name Casilina? The name derives from the city of Casilinum, modern-day Santa Maria Capua Vetere, which represented the river port of the ancient city of Capua. Initially, Via Casilina continued to Labicum, now Monte Compatri, where it joined the Latin Way.
Crossings in the Municipality of Rome
Via Casilina crosses several neighborhoods and areas of the Italian capital. In Municipality Roma V, for example, we find Torpignattara, Casilino, Quadraro, Centocelle, Centro direzionale Centocelle, and Alessandrina. In Municipality Roma VI, instead, we encounter Torre Maura, Giardinetti-Tor Vergata, Torre Angela, Borghesiana, and Finocchio.
There are also numerous other areas and neighborhoods that Via Casilina touches, including Prenestino-Labicano, Tuscolano, Prenestino-Centocelle, Alessandrino, Don Bosco, and Torre Spaccata.
Municipalities Crossed after Rome
After crossing the capital, Via Casilina continues its journey through numerous cities and towns in Lazio and Campania. Among these, we find Monte Compatri, Colonna, Palestrina, Labico, Valmontone, Colleferro, Segni, Paliano, Anagni, Frosinone, Torrice, Ripi, Pofi, Ceprano, Arce, Colfelice, Roccasecca, Aquino, Piedimonte San Germano, Villa Santa Lucia, Cassino, and San Vittore del Lazio.
Must-See Places Along the Route
During our journey along Via Casilina, we cannot miss the numerous places of historical and cultural interest that we encounter along the way.
In Rome, for example, we find the Catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, located under the homonymous basilica in the Prenestino-Labicano neighborhood. Then, in the eponymous neighborhood, it is worth visiting the Giovanni Palatucci Park, which also houses a monument in homage to the righteous police officer.
In the city of Frosinone, on the other hand, two must-see museums are the Archaeological Museum and the Railway Museum. In Cassino, we cannot miss visiting the Abbey of Montecassino, one of the most representative places in the entire province.
Enchanting Landscapes along Via Casilina
But Via Casilina is not only history and culture. Along its route, in fact, it is also possible to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, among mountains, hills, and river landscapes.
One of the most suggestive views is that of the mountains of Frosinone, while the hills of Colleferro offer an unforgettable view of the surrounding territory. The Liri valley, then, is a suggestive river landscape that accompanies our journey for several kilometers.
Conclusion
Via Casilina is an ancient and fascinating road that crosses numerous cities and towns in Lazio and Campania. Along its route, it is possible to visit places of historical and cultural interest, but also to enjoy enchanting landscapes, among mountains, hills, and river landscapes. What are you waiting for? Set off on a journey to discover Via Casilina!
