Vallecorsa
Discovering Vallecorsa: history, geography, and culture
If you're looking for a place to spend your vacation in Italy, Vallecorsa might be the perfect destination for you. Located in the province of Frosinone, in Lazio, this 2412-inhabitant commune's unique history and personal geography make it a special destination. Starting with geography, Vallecorsa is situated in the middle of the Valle Latina and surges on a hill at the foot of Monte Calvilli in the Monti Ausoni. A particular feature of this area is the high presence of olive groves, cultivated on dry-stone walls terraces called "macére." These extraordinarily unique works have been included in the National Catalogue of Historic Rural Landscapes promoted by FAI, the Council of Europe, and UNESCO in 2011. This is just one of many testimonials to the culture of the area and its need to be preserved and protected.
The landscape
The Vallecorsa area is extraordinarily evocative, thanks to its dry-stone walls terraces covering hundreds of kilometers, creating a natural fortress around the town center. The olive groves that extend throughout the territory, and their particular arrangement, make Vallecorsa a unique place. The landscape is characterized by mountains, hills, and fertile soil, all surrounded by wild and unspoiled nature.
The history of Vallecorsa
Like many Italian cities, Vallecorsa has a rich history of significant events. Once the city was part of the territory of the ancient Volsci and then fell under Roman domination. Subsequently, the Southern Lombard Kingdom brought, perhaps, the cult of St. Michael, who remained an important figure for many centuries. The city had an almost corresponding urban definition to the current one already in the IX century, with a well-defined castle and city walls. In the XIX century, Vallecorsa witnessed the birth of Saint Maria De Mattias, an important Italian nun who founded the religious Congregation of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. In 2003, she was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II. During the historical period of the brigandage, Vallecorsa was hit by the then-spreading phenomenon that tried to be contrasted thanks to the figure of Saint Gaspare del Bufalo, who personally worked and with his congregation to re-evangelize and restore faith in the countryside.
Culture and gastronomy
The culture of Vallecorsa is particularly linked to its history and the architectural heritage of the area. An important example is the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, which is dedicated to one of the region's saints. Furthermore, there are many other churches and monuments that tell the story of the city, such as the Caetani Castle, which was one of the strategic points in the war against brigands in the XIX century. Regarding gastronomy, Vallecorsa's cuisine represents the authenticity of Italian food. Thanks to its geographic location, the city offers fresh and high-quality products such as olives, olive oil, vegetables, and excellent meat. The traditional dish of Vallecorsa is polenta. However, the cuisine also offers fresh fish dishes and delicious meat dishes.
Conclusions
Vallecorsa is an ideal place for anyone looking for an authentic and original life experience. The city is rich in history, culture, breathtaking landscapes, and last but not least, excellent cuisine. If you are looking for a special vacation destination, Vallecorsa might be the answer.
