Fumone: History, Church Art and Nature

The history of Castello Longhi - De Paolis, the religious buildings and Lago di Canterno give Fumone a range of different thematic facets. For your trip, you can focus on the history of the castle and churches, art, landscape and local traditions. The historical dates range from an early record of the castle to the later creation of the Hanging Gardens.

Castello Longhi - De Paolis and its history

The first official document attesting to the existence of Castello Longhi - De Paolis dates from 962 AD. The castle served as a military fortress and papal prison before becoming the seat of the Longhi family. This sequence gives the site a history of different functions: from fortification to prison to a family's residence.

The Hanging Gardens of Castello Longhi - De Paolis mark a distinct stage in its history. Marchese Giovanni Longhi acquired the ancient Rocca in 1588; the gardens were laid out after this acquisition. They were completed in the first half of the 17th century. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish the early written record of the castle from the gardens' creation.

Churches and works of art

The Chiesa Collegiata della Santissima Maria Annunziata dates from the 12th century. Pope Pius VI elevated it to a collegiate church in 1781. The church houses an Annunciation painting by Buttaragi from 1786; a fresco in the nave depicts the death of Pope Celestine V. The date of its construction, its elevation to collegiate church and the two works of art offer different historical and artistic perspectives on the same building.

The Chiesa di San Gaugerico was built in the first half of the 14th century, incorporating the structural elements of an older church. Its Gothic portal has a pointed arch and several mouldings. The pointed arch describes the shape of the arch; the mouldings are the sculpted contours of the portal. The church's building history and architectural features can therefore also be considered separately.

Lago di Canterno and its natural landscape

Lago di Canterno lies in the Fumone area and extends across the municipal territories of Ferentino, Fiuggi, Fumone and Trivigliano. The karst lake covers about 1.1 km², has a circumference of 5 km and varies in depth from about 15 to 25 m. These measurements describe different aspects of the lake: its area, shoreline circumference and variable depth.

Lago di Canterno is part of a regional nature reserve established to protect an area of scenic importance, rich in species, flora and fauna. The arrival of wetland birds such as the grey heron, common moorhen and purple heron has been recorded at the lake. The nature-related themes thus range from protecting the area to the specific bird species mentioned.

Two routes, different focuses

The four-hour Sentiero antico Rivellino follows the former fortified access route to Castello Longhi - De Paolis. Its theme is therefore closely linked to the castle's historical approach. By contrast, a six-hour nature trail runs along the shores of Lago di Canterno through the “Lago di Canterno” Nature Oasis. It is intended to guide visitors through the area as safely as possible.

The stated durations of four and six hours make it possible to compare the time required for the two routes; their content differs considerably. The Sentiero antico Rivellino focuses on the former fortified route to the castle, while the longer circular trail focuses on nature around the lake. When planning your time, you can take these different focuses and durations into account.

Historical reenactment and local tradition

Castri Fumonis Ludi is a historical reenactment in Fumone. It commemorates Henry VI's attempted attack on the fortress of Fumone in 1186 AD. During the reenactment, Fumone is transformed into a medieval village, where different factions stage armed clashes. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the event dates.

Another local tradition is associated with the patron saint celebrations in honour of Saint Sebastian: Panata is distributed and eaten in the municipal Grottoni. The occasion, dish and location go together, adding a glimpse of a local custom to the historical and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations: Roccasecca Stazione, Fossò, San Giorgio A Liri, Piedimonte San Germano, Cassino, Sant'Andrea del Garigliano, Castro Dei Volsci, Atina.

For the main travel overview: Frosinone.