Prossedi
Welcome to Prossedi: a small town on the hill
Are you in search of a peaceful place to spend your vacation? Prossedi could be the perfect destination for you! Located in the province of Latina in Lazio, Prossedi is one of the lesser-known yet most charming towns in the region. This summary will take you on a journey to discover all the secrets of this small town.
Physical Geography
Prossedi sits atop a steep hill of the Monti Lepini and is easily visible from State Road 156 of the Monti Lepini, which connects Priverno and Frosinone. The Amaseno and Monteacuto rivers are the main rivers that cross the territory of this city. Monte Alto is one of the highest peaks one can admire from Prossedi. The climate of the area is classified as zone D, 1453 GR/G.
History
Before the Romans, Prossedi was already a well-frequented area by humans. Traces of pre-Roman settlements, such as ancient walls and remains of columns, have been found on Monti Lepini. According to legend, Prossedi was founded in the 4th century BC by the survivors of the city of Privernum, which was destroyed by the Romans. However, it seems more likely that Prossedi was founded in the 7th century AD by six families fleeing from Privernum. The first settlement was called Castrum and later named Persei, in honor of the six families that founded it. Over the centuries, the name Persei was replaced by Proxeudi, referring to the Greek verb ''proséidon'', which means "to look towards". This name was probably linked to the strategic position of the town on the hill, from which one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Amaseno Valley.
The first historical source related to Prossedi dates back to 1125, when the town was set on fire by the troops of Pope Honorius II. During its history, Prossedi was owned by many noble families. The last family to have control over the town was the Gabrielli family, who purchased it from the Altieri family in 1758. Thanks to the concession of Pope Clement XIII, Angelo Gabrielli obtained the title of prince and reunited the fiefs of Prossedi, Pisterzo and Roccasecca dei Volsci in a single principality. Placido Gabrielli was the last prince of Prossedi and, on January 2, 1856, he married his cousin Augusta Bonaparte in Paris.
What to do in Prossedi
Prossedi is a tranquil town where one can relax and enjoy a peaceful vacation. The historic center is well-preserved and could be an excellent way to immerse oneself in the local culture. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built in the 15th century, is one of the main places of worship in town. The Palazzo Comunale, on the other hand, is an 18th-century Baroque building.
If you are a nature lover, Prossedi is the right place for you. You can visit the Regional Park of the Monti Lepini, which houses many species of flora and fauna typical of the area. The Amaseno River offers the opportunity to go canoeing and fishing. Prossedi also boasts a series of ancient traditions, such as the feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24 and the pork festival in August.
Local Cuisine
The cuisine of Prossedi is characterized by the flavors and scents of the Mediterranean tradition. One of the main products of the area is olive oil, which is used in many recipes. One of the typical dishes is the frittata with zucchini flowers, made with eggs, zucchini flowers, cheese, and onion. Another traditional dish is pasta and beans, which is prepared with white beans, bacon, tomatoes, and short pasta.
The sweet recipes of the Prossedi tradition are mostly based on honey and walnuts. The zeppole of St. Joseph are a delight typical of the spring period, while the walnut tart is a classic autumnal dessert.
Conclusions
Prossedi is a characteristic and charming town on the Monti Lepini. With its strategic position on the hill, it offers a panoramic view of the Amaseno Valley and the surrounding peaks. The local cuisine is rich in flavors and scents of the Mediterranean tradition, while the ancient traditions and festivals make this place even more unique. If you want to spend a peaceful vacation in one of the lesser-known yet most charming places in Lazio, Prossedi could be the right place for you!
