Itri: The Ancient Via Appia, Culture and Trails in the Aurunci Mountains

Itri offers several ways to shape your stay: the ancient Via Appia, the Museum of Brigandage, trails in the Aurunci Mountains and the Santuario della Madonna della Civita. Archaeological remains, landscapes and religious history offer different focal points for your trip.

Via Appia and Museum of Brigandage

The section of the Via Appia that runs through Itri preserves an ancient basalt pavement and passes through the Sant’Andrea gorges, parallel to the modern Via Appia Nuova. Archaeological remains along the road include stopping places known as postes, where horses were changed, as well as polygonal walls, mausoleums, bridges and villas. There is also an Opus incertum cistern from the 1st century BC, an example of Roman hydraulic engineering. These remains offer insights into various aspects of the ancient road and its structures.

The Museum of Brigandage is also located along the ancient Via Appia in Itri. Its exhibition is divided into three sections: the origins of brigandage, the brigand in the collective imagination, and the brigand in everyday life. The themes thus examine brigandage from different perspectives. Special recognition is given to Michele Pezza, known as Fra Diavolo.

The landscape along the Via Appia also changes character: towards Fondi, centuries-old olive and citrus groves sit alongside typical Mediterranean vegetation. Archaeological traces and an agricultural landscape thus appear side by side as distinct features along the road.

Trails and Landscape

The CAI 917 La Valle di Itri–Monte Orso trail starts in La Valle, in the municipality of Itri. It passes through typical Mediterranean scrub and holm oak forest, climbing to the karst plateau of Raella. This route focuses on the changing vegetation and landforms, while the Via Appia section draws attention to ancient road and building remains.

Another trail leads through the Aurunci Mountains to the Santuario della Madonna della Civita. The Way of the Cross follows paved paths and steeper climbs. The footpath to Castello di Itri starts at Porta Mamurra, passes through the Jewish quarter of Vico Giudea and climbs to the upper part of the town. From the castle terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Riviera di Ulisse. The routes described therefore differ both in their landscapes and in their destinations.

Santuario della Madonna della Civita

The Santuario della Madonna della Civita stands on the heights of Monte Fusco and marks the destination of the Way of the Cross described above. The first records of the building date back to 1147; the santuario acquired its present form in 1491. The two dates therefore refer to different points in its building history: the earliest records of the building and the later form in which it is described today. Those interested in religious history can connect the sanctuary’s historical context with the route of the Way of the Cross through the Aurunci Mountains.

Flower Tradition and Spring Bonfires

The Infiorata di Itri has already been held more than thirty times. Geometrically arranged floral displays decorate the streets of the historic centre, depicting religious and secular scenes. Another tradition is the Fuochi di San Giuseppe, held in mid-March. Its bonfire marks the feast of Saint Joseph and the beginning of spring. The two customs have distinct focal points: floral displays in the historic centre on the one hand, and a bonfire with religious and seasonal significance on the other. If one of these events is important to your trip, check the exact dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Monte San Biagio, Ventotene, Sezze, Borgo Montello, Bassiano, Maranola-Trivio, Sabaudia, Foce Verde.

For the full travel overview: Latina.