What to do and see
Campodimele is a small municipality in the province of Latina, set in a natural and healthy context, a destination for lovers of natural living and healthy eating. The healthiness of the air and of the food are testified by the average age of its inhabitants, considered among the most long-lived in Italy. The tourist who chooses Campodimele as a destination for a relaxing and regenerating stay will have the possibility to know the artistic and natural beauties of this village at the foot of the Aurunci mountains.
The Monti Aurunci Natural Park offers many opportunities for relaxation and sport. Inside the park, in fact, there are picnic and barbecue areas that will delight adults and children alike. For trekking lovers, it is possible to choose one of the many themed trails to discover the natural beauty of the district together with suggestive views of the valleys below. Excursions are the pride of the park. Tourists, in fact, can count on specialised guides and refuges where they can refresh themselves and rest from time to time.
Those wishing to discover new corners of Campodimele will have the opportunity to admire rare examples of civil and religious architecture. The monastery of Sant'Onofrio dates back to the 11th century and has been damaged several times over the centuries. In the 1980s, restoration work brought it back to its former glory. Similarly, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo dates back to the 11th century. Damaged by a strong earthquake, it was rebuilt in every detail. Inside, the Tabernacle, ancient paintings and wooden statues are valuable.
Also not to be missed are the Church of the Annunziata, the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie and the small Church of the Madonna del Rosario. Finally, civil monuments adorn the most beautiful corners of Campodimele, constituting a small open-air museum.
Typicalities of Campodimele
The village is a treasure trove of material and immaterial treasures, ranging from architecture to ancient knowledge and traditions. Folk wisdom and ancient methods of agricultural practice still give unique typicalities that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Agri-food products include:
- The Cicerchia of Campodimele
- The shallot
- Legumes
- Olive oil obtained without fertilisers
The agri-food chain offers KM 0 products that are used to prepare unique gastronomic delicacies. Chickling vetch soup is famous for its goodness. The legume has been awarded PDO status, so a taste of this famous dish is a must during your stay in Campodimele. Laina, on the other hand, is the typical handmade pasta of Latium, made with flour and water and seasoned with chickling vetch sauce, which is cooked in tomato sauce with the addition of onion and garlic. The dish is served with dried goat's ricotta cheese. Another delicacy not to be missed are the 'Ciammotte', or very tasty snails (snails of the field) flavoured with mint.
Traditions and Folklore
Campodimele offers ideas for a holiday characterised by the rediscovery of art, culture and history. There is no lack of themed events inspired by local traditions. Collective identity and popular culture have a way of expressing themselves and surviving the passage of time. Tourists will have the opportunity to live a fantastic experience where myth, fantasy and reality come together. Some of the village's events include:
- The Fairytale and Storytelling Festival in May, where the village streets come alive with a parade of jugglers, musicians, colours and fairytale characters.
- The 'Portico di Onofrio' National Poetry Competition in August.
- The 'Fauna Nostra' competition, which sees the election of the most beautiful sheep and goat in the district, in June.
