Santi Cosma e Damiano: Culture and History

The sanctuary, Torre Ventosa, and Stramma processing offer different ways to discover Santi Cosma e Damiano: sacred art, medieval architectural history, and local craftsmanship. The Chiesa di San Martino and the ruins of Santa Maria del Soccorso also tell of other historical layers of the town.

The sanctuary and its works of art

The Santuario Santi Cosma e Damiano occupies a central place in the townscape: it overlooks the historic center and Piazza Tommaso Rossi. The sanctuary contains statues of the saints made of poplar wood, dating from the late 18th century. They were created by an unknown artist from the Campanian school. The baptistery is framed by an oil painting by local painter Gianni Espositore (1950–1992), depicting the baptism of Jesus.

The architecture also offers a way to explore the sanctuary’s history. Its architectural elements refer to the number three; this may be a symbolic allusion to the Holy Trinity. The current façade is based on a design by architect L. Bruzio. It differs markedly from the 17th-century façade, which was destroyed during the Second World War. The sanctuary has an elevator for visitors with disabilities. If you need to use it, check that it is operational before your visit.

Torre Ventosa: Design and former functions

Torre Ventosa stands on Ventosa Hill. The medieval tower, built in the Romanesque style between the 12th and 13th centuries, has a square ground plan. It is 24 meters high and built of limestone. Its former function explains why it was not protected by walls: it served mainly to monitor the northern area and watch for possible threats from Coreno, Cardito, and Aurito.

The tower’s history also includes water supply. A cistern was fed by rainwater through a brick drainage channel and served the area as an important water resource for a long time. Torre Ventosa can therefore be understood not only through its dimensions and construction, but also through its role in the surrounding area.

Stramma: a craft from Ventosa

Stramma processing was the oldest and most important trade in the village of Ventosa and for a long time was a distinctive local feature. Stramma grows wild in the Monti Aurunci. Traditionally, it is gathered from November through the end of May.

Seven-strand Stramma cords were used in the processing. Traditionally, they were used to stuff chairs, wicker-covered flasks, and other objects. These practical items show how the plant, once processed, became part of local craftsmanship.

Church history and historic routes

Around the 10th century, the dukes of Gaeta had a church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist built on the site of today’s Chiesa di San Martino. Its history is intertwined with numerous properties of Montecassino Abbey; in later centuries, it became a Benedictine cell. The church’s historic works of art were destroyed during the Second World War. They were replaced by a 1952 painting by G. Quadroni depicting Saint Martin, and a dramatic Crucifixion fresco by Aldo Falso in the apse.

The ruins of the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso lie just outside the historic center, along the old mule track. The Garigliano is another geographical landmark: the river’s waters touch Santi Cosma e Damiano. The town also lies on the Appia-Pedemontana route of the southern section of the Via Francigena.

Discover more destinations: Spigno Saturnia, Borgo Grappa, Rocca Massima, Terracina, Sabaudia, Bassiano, Borgo Bainsizza, Foce Verde

For the broader travel overview: Latina.