Spigno Saturnia
Discover Spigno Saturnia: the town on Mount Petrella
Welcome to Spigno Saturnia, an Italian municipality in the province of Latina, in southern Lazio. With 2849 inhabitants, it extends over an area that includes two main clusters: Spigno Superiore or Vecchio, located on the eastern slope of Mount Petrella, and Spigno Inferiore or Nuovo, which is situated near State Road 630.
Let's explore the territory
Spigno Superiore, situated at 375 meters above sea level, is a village with a breathtaking view, rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the remains of its ancient castle, which is one of the major historical attractions of the town. Spigno Inferiore, the capital of the municipality, is located at 146 meters above sea level.
The territory of Spigno Saturnia is characterized by Mount Fammera and the Ausente river. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, this is the perfect destination for you.
The climate classification of the area
The climate of Spigno Saturnia is part of zone C, with 1017 GR/G.
Origins of the name
The name "Spigno" derives from the presence of two spiny plants, the hawthorn and the wild plum, in the territory. The citizens of the municipality used these plants to make their fences more effective, thanks to their thorns.
Until the 6th century, the inhabited center was known as Ausona, including parts of the present-day territories of Ausonia and Minturno. Later, from the 9th to the 11th century, it was called Casalis Spini, becoming Castrum Spinei in the 12th century. In the 17th century, the name of the municipality became Spingo or Spigno.
History of the municipality
One of the major historical attractions of Spigno Saturnia is the ruins of the ancient village of Casale, as well as the fortress of Castrum Spinei, built at the end of the 10th century by the Normans. The castle was ruled by the Normans until the 13th century, when the Dell'Aquila family in the county of Traetto became extinct.
Subsequently, the small fiefdom had a tumultuous period when it was involved in the struggle between the Angevins and the Aragonese for possession of the heavily fortified Castle of Gaeta in 1435. The Castle of Spigno suffered the reprisals of the Angevin troops, and the inhabitants were subjected to all kinds of oppression.
However, about three years later, Alfonso of Aragon entrusted the government of the municipality to Onorato, son of Cristoforo Caetani. Onorato issued important privileges and provisions in favor of his subjects, contained in a sort of statute. This statute guaranteed the observance of ancient customs, established the procedures for annual revenues, and restored the territorial boundaries.
Located on Mount Petrella, Spigno Saturnia is a fascinating municipality where culture and history come together. Visit the ruins of the village of Casale, admire the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain, and discover the history of the municipality through the words of its inhabitants. Come and visit us and discover the beauty of our territory.
