Sant'Andrea del Garigliano
Sant'Andrea del Garigliano: The Municipality in the Heart of the Valley of Saints
Sant'Andrea del Garigliano, a municipality in the province of Frosinone in Lazio, is a beautiful destination for people looking to escape the inevitable frenzy of the city. This beautiful town of 1,292 inhabitants is located at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Aurunci Mountains and is crossed by the Garigliano River, creating picturesque scenery. The urban center of Sant'Andrea del Garigliano is famous for its civic tower, but its oldest center dominates the inner valley where walls and circular towers still rise over the houses that have incorporated them.
Territory
On the hill opposite, a new urban center is being built near the Church of San Benedetto. Most of the inhabitants live in the center, while the other half lives in the countryside. Sant'Andrea del Garigliano is part of the Valley of Saints and can be considered an area of great historical and cultural value.
Climate
Sant'Andrea del Garigliano's climate is classified as zone D, 1636 GR/G. With an average temperature of 13.8 degrees Celsius, it is mainly mild and pleasant throughout the year.
Origin of Name
The name Sant'Andrea del Garigliano derives from the medieval church of the same name, which was rebuilt by the Benedictines of Montecassino and donated to the princes of Capua in 961. The name was thus chosen to honor St. Andrew, the saint for whom the church was erected.
History
Sant'Andrea del Garigliano has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The first mention of this town dates back to 846, when a group of Saracens destroyed the Church of Sant'Andrea, built by the monks of Montecassino. The church was later rebuilt by the princes of Capua and donated to the Benedictines of Montecassino. The territory was thus included in the Land of Saint Benedict, and its castle was built in 1045 for security reasons.
The castle was occupied by the Normans in the same year but was soon expelled from the Benedictine territory. The Church of Sant'Andrea was consecrated to St. Benedict. In the 19th century, the church was abandoned when the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was built, which was the center of the community and housed a place of hospitality for pilgrims and travelers. Outside the walls of the town, the church dedicated to San Rocco was then built.
During the 19th century, the town was affected by the events of brigandage and suffered massive emigration that only ceased in the mid-20th century with the industrialization of the province of Frosinone. The Second World War was very violent for the town, located along the Gustav Line. On February 5, 1944, the Germans shot four farmers in retaliation following the injury of a soldier in Pontiera. In this period, the figure of Captain Antonio Gagliardi, a commander who organized a partisan group that undermined the resistance of the Nazi-fascist troops, was of particular importance for the fate of the Resistance in the entire area and facilitated the victory of the Allies.
Conclusion
Sant'Andrea del Garigliano is a municipality that together contains a unique experience of history, culture, and natural beauty. The town is suitable for those seeking a bit of peace and tranquility as well as those who want to discover the historical and natural treasures it offers. The beauty of the surrounding territory and its numerous historical attractions make Sant'Andrea del Garigliano an ideal destination for a short vacation or a longer stay.
