Pofi
Welcome to Pofi: a small town with a great history
Welcome to Pofi, a small municipality in the province of Frosinone, located in the heart of Lazio, with a population of 3,886 inhabitants. Pofi is located on a hilltop 270 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a panorama that offers views of about forty surrounding villages, from the Mainarde (southeast) to the Prenestini Mountains (northwest). The Sacco river runs through the town, which marks the border with the neighboring municipality of Castro dei Volsci. There is much to discover about the history and origins of Pofi, and in this article, we will explore together the most relevant aspects of this city.
The physical geography of Pofi
Pofi is located on an extinct volcano that makes the land of the city very fertile for the cultivation of flowers and vegetables. The municipal territory is of volcanic origin, in particular, the town is located where, during the Quaternary geological era, the so-called Volcano of Pofi was present, one of the main ones in the Valle del Sacco. Pofi is surrounded by a breathtaking view that includes about forty surrounding villages and extends from the Mainarde (southeast) to the Prenestini Mountains (northwest).
The climate of Pofi
The climate of Pofi belongs to zone E with an average annual temperature of about 11°C and annual rainfall of 815 mm. The city's zone belongs to the sub-humid climatic zone, and winter is the wettest period of the year.
Origins of the name of Pofi
The original name of Pofi was first documented in a code dated 1019 kept in the Montecassino archive. According to some sources from the 16th century, the name Pofi belongs to the Proci, suitors of Penelope. Since the territory of Pofi hosted a large population of snakes, some sources believe that the name derives from the Greek word 'Ophis', which means snake. However, there is another answer: according to some scholars, “Pofi” derives from the Greek “Hoi ap'ophios”, which means “Those of the snake”. There are also theories that emphasize a possible Greek colony on the territory of Pofi that has not yet been found.
The history of Pofi
Human activity in the territory of Pofi dates back to about 400,000 years ago, and the municipality is one of the volcanic centers that we now recognize as the Media Valle Latina. The city boasts a rich history that accompanies its expansion, integrating numerous theories ranging from references to Odysseus and the Proci, to connections with Aesculapius.
There are no written records documenting the existence of the city during Roman times, but it appears for the first time as a “castellum” in 1019. At the end of the 13th century, an aristocracy composed of landowners from the surrounding territories had consolidated its position in Pofi, and later, it became part of the territories controlled by the Caetani family before and the Colonna family later, starting from the 16th century.
Conclusions
Pofi, a city of volcanic origins, located in the Media Valle Latina, is a city of particular charm. The origin of its name and the numerous presence of snakes in the area make it even more intriguing. The city on the hill of Pofi boasts a breathtaking view that improves every time you approach it. Pofi is not just a city to be visited, but to be fully enjoyed. There are several interesting places in the city to explore, starting from the Church of Sant'Antonino Martire, which is located on a presumed pagan temple dedicated to Aesculapius, whose presence under the church has been confirmed by some scholars. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and mystery of Pofi.
