Torre Cajetani
Torre Cajetani: a historical gem surrounded by the nature of Lazio
If you are looking for a small historical village surrounded by nature, Torre Cajetani could be the ideal destination for your next vacation. This Commune, located in the province of Frosinone in Lazio, is a jewel of history and architecture that boasts a picturesque territory and a pleasant climate.
Physical geography
The name of the Commune derives from the Caetani or Cajetani family, whose dominions Torre Cajetani was a part. The village is located on the eastern end of a mountain ridge that separates from the southern slope of the Monti Ernici, at 819 meters above sea level. This position makes the surrounding landscape very suggestive and varied.
The climate of Torre Cajetani belongs to zone E, with a value of 2595 GR/G. In summer, temperatures are mild and not too hot, while in winter the air is cool and slightly humid.
History
The history of the village is closely linked to the castle, which is mentioned in a parchment dated 1180. The document describes a fortified village now fully formed and organized, whose defense was entrusted to its own inhabitants. In 1303, a papal bull established the hegemony of the Caetani family in the area and Torre Cajetani became an important strategic point of defense against the rival Colonna family.
In the territory of Torre Cajetani, there is a source of oligomineral water called Fontanelle, which was constantly used by Pope Boniface VIII to cure the so-called "stone disease".
Monuments and places of interest
Torre Cajetani is renowned for its military architectures, in particular the Teofilatto-Caetani Castle. The foundation date of this castle is uncertain, but it is first mentioned in the 6th century A.D. in a parchment never found cited by Mirzio, referring to the journey of Benedict of Nursia from Subiaco and Cassino. Probably, the castle was built between the late Empire and the Early Middle Ages and, in the 9th century, belonged to the family of the senator Teofilatto, who had many interests in the countryside.
At the end of the 13th century, the castle was purchased by the Caetani, who expanded the fortification structure on the basis of a large square plan, with the main tower in the center. The castle remained under the direct control of the Caetani, giving rise to a branch of the family called "della Torre", until the extinction of the branch itself in the 19th century. In 1915, a part of the castle collapsed following the Marsica earthquake and suffered serious damages. After a long period of abandonment, in 1959 the castle was taken over by the Teofilatto family of Rome, who undertook a comprehensive restoration to preserve it from neglect and abandonment.
Torre Cajetani is also famous for its Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the center of the village. No traces remain of the medieval church, but it was restored in the early 19th century and today has Baroque forms. The church houses some paintings of great value, such as that of the "Most Holy Virgin Assumed into Heaven" surrounded by Angels of the 20th century, placed behind the high altar, the "Purging Souls" (Rampolloni, 1860) and that of the "Most Holy Savior" of Tuscan school.
In conclusion, Torre Cajetani is a small village in the Valle Latina that encloses the history and architecture of a bygone era. If you want to spend a few days immersed in nature and tranquility, visiting this Commune could be a perfect solution.
