A 4-day itinerary full of history, art and culture, between the pretty villages of Veroli, Boville Ernica and Arpino and the important abbeys of Casamari and Montecassino
Ciociaria between history, art and culture tour Highlights:
This morning you will reach Veroli, a beautiful medieval village in the province of Frosinone. Veroli is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Rome. Founded by the Ernici, Veroli became a faithful ally of the Romans since the reign of Tarquinio the Superb. Walking through the main streets you will see an inscription in honor of this coalition: “verulana civitas almae urbi confederata”. The historic center of Veroli characterized by medieval buildings, has many interesting churches such as the Church of Sant’Erasmo. The most important is the Basilica of Santa Sàlome inside which the relics of Sàlome, protector of the city, are preserved. The uniqueness of the basilica is the Holy Staircase made up of 12 marble steps built between 1715 and 1740. The penultimate step is partially made up of the wood of the crucifix of Jesus. Among the civil architectures, you will admire, however, the remains of the Rocca of San Leucio, dating back to the ninth century, which rises in the highest part of the city. Do not miss a visit to the Herb Museum of particular scientific and educational interest, where a large number of plant species and medicinal herbs are exhibited. Thanks to donations and collections acquisitions, a path has been created that starts from the ancient profession of herbal-pharmacologist, now abandoned, up to the modern use of the plant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Alvito and check-in at the Resort.
This morning you will meet your private guide to enjoy a visit to Veroli. The old town of Veroli is characterized by medieval palaces and has many fascinating churches including that of St. Erasmus. The most famous church is the Basilica of Santa Salome, with the remains of Santa Salome, protector of Veroli. The uniqueness of the Basilica is focused on the Holy Stairs made up of 12 marble steps. The penultimate step is made of wood and the story tells it is the wood of the Cross of Jesus.
After you will reach Casamari Abbey, built in 1203 and consecrated in 1217. The name derives from a historical and important figure of Ancient Rome: Caio Mario. After the defeat of the Roman Empire, the Benedictine monks came and founded the Abbey. The best splendour of the Abbey dates back to the period of Pope Celestine IX and the Trappist monks up to the Empire of Napoleon. In 1929 the Abbey was elected a monastic congregation and slowly returned to show its beauty and majesty. In June 1957 Pope Pius XII elevated the abbey church to the dignity of a minor basilica. The plan of the basilica is very similar to that of French monasteries. Inside the monastery, you can admire a beautiful garden and quadrangular cloister. The cloister leads to the church with its three naves. The windows of the church have alabaster plates instead of glass. The Abbey, in addition to being a place of worship, has also become a place of teaching and in 1898 the San Bernardo Institute has been founded in the abbey. Since around 1760, the Abbey also features a pharmacy and liquor store where the monks produced bottles of medicinal herbs and spirits. More recent is the printing house, established in 1954 and here school texts are also printed.
After a few kilometres, you will reach Boville Ernica, another medieval village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You will admire its medieval walls with 18 towers, Renaissance palaces, churches and squares. You will enter San Pietro Ispano and discover Giotto’s Angel and the marble bas-relief of the Madonna del Sansovino.
You will continue to Cassino where you will reach the Abbey of Montecassino.
The Abbey of Montecassino is one of the most famous Abbeys in the world.
In 529 St. Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and monks who followed him from Subiaco. From the cloisters, through the grand staircase to the Basilica, you reach the tomb of St. Benedict and St. Scolastica. Then there is the crypt, below, to be discovered with the beautiful golden mosaics. But it is in the museum that in the end visitors can see magnificent paintings, wonderful manuscripts and ancient books; they can retrace the history of the Abbey from its beginnings to the present day and understand why Montecassino is known as the “Faro of Western Civilization”.
In the afternoon you will reach the charming city of Arpino, the birthplace of Marco Tullio Cicerone in 106 BC. Cicerone was one of the greatest lawyers and writers of the Roman period. Every year Arpino pays homage to Cicero with an international Latin translation competition, the Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas. Students from all over the world come here and try to win the competition and put the laurel wreath, the symbol of glory, in the lead. In Arpino, your guide will retrace the history of the city and you will visit the Church of St. Michael Archangel where you will admire the masterpiece of the Cavalier d’Arpino, Caravaggio and the Tuscany School. You will also admire the Palace of the “Tullian”, Palazzo Quadrini and the Sangermano Palace. In the main square, you will see a portion of the old Roman road with stones. Only the winner of the Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas has the honour of walking along this historic and priceless find.
After the visit to the town, your guide will show you the oldest part of Arpino where history meets legends, Civitavecchia di Arpino or Civitas Vetus. Here you will admire the old door of the Acropolis, the pointed arch (4.20 meters high) consisting of overlapping blocks that narrow upwards, and cut obliquely inside. In the Middle Ages, it was closed in a semicircular bastion, now partially demolished. Near the arch, you will see the church of SS. Trinity. You will see Cicero’s Tower, the top of the Acropolis and possibly the home of Cicero’s ancestors. Walking through the streets of the historic centre you will admire other medieval churches and you will find that you reach the belvedere overlooking the valley below where you can take beautiful photos.
Free morning
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For this itinerary, we handpicked for your stay an Oasis of Peace immersed in the countryside of Alvito. Relais Colle Buono will welcome you with its romantic atmosphere, exceptional services and unforgettable experiences of wellness, taste and relaxation. You will have at your disposal fine furnished and tranquil rooms and suites, an excellent Gourmet Restaurant and a sophisticated wellness centre where to regenerate your soul.