Sermoneta

Sermoneta is a charming medieval town located in the heart of the province of Latina, Lazio, nestled between the Lepini Mountains and the Pontine countryside. This small town, rich in history and culture, is particularly noted for its well-preserved architecture and historic-artistic attractions.

The town enjoys a panoramic position on the Pontine Plain, offering striking views and an atmosphere that takes one back in time. Sermoneta is distinguished by its historic center, a perfectly preserved urban complex that winds within medieval walls, rich in limestone dwellings, loggias and tower-houses, each telling the story of the village.

Within the historic center, you can admire buildings of significant historical and artistic value such as the Loggia dei Mercanti, with its characteristic arches, the Church of the Annunziata, and the Jewish Synagogue. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its majestic bell tower and the Oratorio dei Battenti, houses a museum of sacred art with works from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Especially outstanding is the Caetani Castle, one of the symbols of the village and among the best-preserved castles in the region. Built in the 13th century and over the centuries expanded and renovated, the castle has been a witness and protagonist of local history. Today it is a museum and venue for cultural events, under the custody of the Roffredo Caetani Foundation.

Nearby, you can visit Valvisciolo Abbey, a remarkable example of Cistercian architecture, with its church, chapter house and cloister.

One cannot ignore the presence of natural areas of great beauty such as the Orange Garden and the springs of the Cavata River, perfect settings for walks and moments of relaxation in contact with nature.

Sermoneta is also the stage for numerous festivals and festivals, including the traditional Sagra della Polenta, which takes place on the last Sunday in January, and the Historical Re-enactment of the Battle of Lepanto, which falls on the second Sunday in October, both events that attract visitors from all over Italy.

In addition, Sermoneta is renowned for its typical products, including wine cookies, a local confectionery specialty. The local cuisine is based on the products of the land and the culinary tradition of Lazio, and is one of the most inviting aspects of a visit to this medieval village.

The combination of history, culture, nature and gastronomy makes Sermoneta a must-see destination for those seeking a journey through time in one of Italy's most fascinating villages.

BY CAR

• From Rome take the SS 148 towards Pontina, until reaching Sermoneta
• From Rome Ciampino, take the SS Appia state road, at the crossroads continue towards Epitaffio, turn towards Latina Scalo and reach Sermoneta.
• From Rome take the RM / NA highway and exit at Valmontone, continue until Sermoneta.

ON THE TRAIN

• Latina station

BY PLANE

• Rome Fiumicino Airport

The territory of Sermoneta was already populated in the archaic period. In its territory, near the actual abbey of Valvisciolo stood the ancient city volsca of Sulmo, mentioned by Virgil in the Aeneid.

The expansion of the Pontine Marshes and the invasions of the saracens drove the inhabitants of ancient Sulmo to relocate in the current Sermoneta, which is mentioned with this name already in the XI century. Free Commune, submitted soon to the Caetani family (1297) who made it the center of their domains on the entire southern Lazio, for track of the fortunate position on the track the foothills, artery that had replaced the Appia in connections between the north and the South of Italy. The sermonetani, for the control of the road and in particular from the customs office of passage, smote before the city of Nymph then the neighboring Sezze. From this period dates the medieval village, perfectly preserved, the Caetani Castle and the Cathedral.

From the XIII and XVI century, Sermoneta was home to a flourishing Jewish community. Traces remain in the district called "Portella" (via Marconi angle via Riccelli), where it is still recognizable the building of the old synagogue (now part of a private house). Starting from the XVI century with the first works for the reclamation of the Pontine Marshes and the reopening of the Appia, the city began a slow decline. In 1567 lost the title of capital of the duchy of the Caetani that put their headquarters in Cisterna. Hosted Leonardo da Vinci.

In 1928, on a part of its territory, in the locality of Doganella di Ninfa, Opera Nazionale Combattenti poses one of the headquarters for the operations for the reclamation of the Agro Pontino. From the post-war period and its historical center has experienced a heavy depopulation in favor of its territory in the plain where are fate fractions of Doganella, Tufette Pontenuovo, and Carrara on the borders with the municipalities of Cisterna di Latina and Latin.

• Every Sunday for 5 Sundays from 17 January - Sagra della Polenta.

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• Every weekends of May - Sermoneta May.

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• July - Pontino Music Festival.

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• Christmas - Christmas in Sermoneta. Artistic Cribs, concerts, theatrical performances.