HISTORICAL PLACES

ARPINO It is 15 km from our  farm and it takes17 minutes by car

through a pleasant and very busy road through the woods, you arrive in Civitavecchia, where the pointed arch and theCyclopean walls will recall the ancient origin,  together with the door open on the polygonal walls. In the Middle Ages along these walls,numerous towers were added, which made the village an importantstrategic point in defense of Arpino. According to ancient legend,he chose to live here patron deity of agriculture Saturn. Then you can descend into Arpino still clear signs that relate to the greatness of Ancient Rome.
On top of Civita Falconara, there is Castello di Ladislao Durazzo.
Heart of the country is the elegant Town Hall Square, bounded on three sides by the Palazzo Boncompagni.
A visit to the Church of St. Michael can admire the paintings of the painter Giuseppe Cesari, also known as the Cavalier d'Arpino, andimportant members of the culture of the Roman Baroque.

WHAT TO DO
Activity, located in the town of Arpino and a few miles from our farm, it is the handling OLD TIME RANCH featuring over 200 km ofpaths that touch is both historical and natural places of Ciociariathrough three municipalities: Arpino, Casalvieri, Santopadre brings you in contact with nature incontaminata.E 'can go horse riding,walking, mountain biking, horseback riding lessons for children andadults with western riding.

ISOLA DEL LIRI

 Indeed, the Ciociaria, though he did not have "outlets" to the sea, has, however, a small but ancient island (this term, often modified over time, stems from the fact that the town occupies a small island formed by two branches of Liri !!!).
Isola del Liri, far from Frosinone, only 23 km. about, is an ancient town, which still preserves some of the values ​​of the past intact.
About its origins, it seems that they date, the Iron Age (which would be evidence of some "archeological "!!).
Although the old "Insula filiorum petri" have lived, in time, decimation significant (combined with constant devastation and looting by the foreign peoples), today it retains the flavor of ancient and peaceful medieval village.
The Islanders (name given to its inhabitants, often tireless musicians), now about 13,000, the damage done to improve the economic condition of the country, and trying to compensate for the lack of real industries (Isola del Liri once was a thriving town full of paper), the work coincide with the recreational activities that give a result, in economic terms, very "substantial".
It 'notes, in fact, internationally, the event called "Liri Blues Festival" which brings together, year after year, and more and more, fans of the Blues (among the guests at the event also important names !!!).
As for the artistic aspect, this center, located m 217 above sea level, still, still intact (thanks to the various reconstructions that occurred over time), the famous "Castle" Boncompagni - Viscogliosi .. Under which, we can see the famous Church of St.Lorenzo (seventeenth century). Also, do not forget to taste the local specialties like the excellent "ciociari dumplings" and the tasty "sagne" ...!

It is 18 km from our  farm and it takes 25 minutes by car

SANTOPADRE

It is part of the mountain community of the Liri Valley.Santopadre is the quaint little town of the district, collected within the medieval and offers the opportunity, the attentive visitor, to immerse themselvesin time, while maintaining "feet on the ground  walls."Castrum Foruli"! This was originally the name of Santopadre,It was modified, apparently by the same Santopadresi, for the veneration of St. Fulk (now the patron!).From an architectural point of view, Santopadre, although today has a modern oval shape, still retains evidence of the Roman era( there are preserved the remains of a villa and a sanctuary), and (in part ...) the walls, several cylindrical towers and tower ...!Regarding the religious aspect, the locals have dedicated the town's main church in San Fulk.Inside, it has three naves and highly decorated, are preservedpaintings attributed to the Cavalier d'Arpino (?). Bello is also the organ (the Catarinozzi!), And interesting is the reliquary bust of St.Fulk (XIII - XIV century).  The center, built of stone, very quiet, consists of several streets that meet at two main roads.Its location makes the climate very exposed santopadrese always fresh and dry, pleasant in summer and cold in winter, with raresnowfall.

It is 16 km from our  farm and it takes 25 minutes by car 

ALVITO

Just 45 km. From Frosinone, located m 475 above sea level, goingin the direction of Val di Comino, are before us, with a nicepresence, a small but "effervescent" country: Alvito.
They meet in the street and alleys of the village craftsmen who work(as I remember the old crafts), wood. Not to mention that, even today, one can see, in the countryside, women (and not only!) That collect the olives ... with traditional methods.
Also, do not fail to meet some shepherd in tow with a large flock ofsheep ...! The
In fact, since the second half of the nineteenth century, there is anAlvin and throughout the Comino Valley soaring economy, basedmainly on agriculture, but also, next to the seasonal migration ofmuch of the population laborers in the Roman countryside, the firstemigration.
During the thirteenth century the lordship of Alvito came under the domination of several powerful families. The family must Cantelmo,for example, in 1350 the reconstruction of the castle, destroyed by an earthquake in the previous year. The Gallio embellish the country, such as building the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Gallio), and opening in 1665 Gallia Street (now Corso Gallio), the main road,and enliven the cultural life.
As for the artistic aspect, Alvito, you can enrich their cultural visit,which means: the Church of St. Simeon (eighteenth century) the church of S. Nicholas, and why not ... the ruins (near the village), anancient Samnite city.

It is 10 km from our  farm and it takes 15 minutes by car

FONTECHIARI

This small medieval town (nice in summer and in winter ... magic), is 40 km far from Frosinone., And is situated on a hill (where you can still breathe fresh air), about m. 360 s.l.m.
The distant past, we have, today, news very confused, but just as true: it seems that once Fontechiari, to be called slaves (before the Royal Decree of 1862). It was destroyed by the Saracens in the year 846, and in 1062 was occupied by Norman troops.
Ancient structure, in addition, we show that the small country was surrounded by polygonal walls, while the access roads at the time were only two.
The inhabitants (about 1,500 now!) Are proud of their "Royal Fountain," which, along with others, gave its name to the famous Old Ciociarian.
In fact, Fontechiari got its name from the fact that the country there are many fountains and clear springs.
As for the artistic aspect, Fontechiari preserves examples such as:
The medieval tower (fourteenth century), the Napoleonic Cemetery (the only example in central Italy, built in 1838), the Church of SS G.Baptist and the Evangelist (in 1751, and which still houses a magnificent organ of 1785, as well as numerous frescoes of 1500).
Furthermore, in a picturesque corner of the country, immersed in the wild, are still composed of a cave (divided into several small rooms), the Hermitage of St. Anchorite Onofrio.
From historical information (proven by many scholars), it seems that this place was frequented by S. Francis of Assisi (when it stayed in the nearby Monastery of Vicalvi, another well-known center Ciociarian).
.Apart from the optimal climate, and you can taste the delicious local dishes. All this, if anything, during the many festivals and beautiful festivals.
In July, for example, is the feast of "Our Lady of Brothers" and the feast of St. Anna. While, in August, are famous: the Feast of St.Gaetano Emigrant, S. Rocco and S. Bartholomew.
Keep in mind, however, and always in August, the Festival of the Corn !

It is 5 km from our  farm and it takes 6 minutes by car

VICALVI                   It is 6 km from our  farm and it takes 10  minutes by car

The town of Vicalvi is situated on a hill in the Comino Valley. On the summit, 590 meters above sea level, stands a castle of the eleventh century, visited on request be made to the municipality.The castle is surrounded by the old medieval village, made up ofdilapidated houses and the subject of recent urban renewalprojects, which also included the church of S. Peter.
Near the castle can be seen the remains of cyclopean wallsbelonging to pre-Roman settlements, probably related to a Sunnicity.
Located at an altitude of m. 590 above sea level, Vicalvi occurs,the eye of the discerning tourist, as a "sentinel" perched on a hill,and placed as a kind of "lone defender ...."
On the other hand, the remains of the ancient Lombard castleoverlooking the valley below, giving the impression that the imposing manor house was built in its time, to better safeguard the territory by countless enemies.
From a religious point of view, this center boasts Ciociarian the existence, locally, the Convent of St. Francis. Nestled in the forestpreserves, in its internal evidence, still "lives" of the passage of the saint in these places so attractive and pleasant ... ...!
From a structural standpoint, in Vicalvi, you can see, still in good condition, the Baron's Palace (with adjoining chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Conception) and the Church of St. Erasmus (withmagnificent Gothic portal)

BALSORANO It is 28 km from our  farm and it takes 28  minutes by car

The country is located in the lower valley and near the Bush Fucino basin. Balsorano can be considered a village that still retainselements of medieval although there are other architectural styles.The town bases its economy on agriculture but ultimately relies on tourism thanks to the splendid Castello Piccolomini (in which, especially in the Sixties and Seventies, many movies were filmed).The name derives from the Latin Vallis Balsorano Sorana or valley near the center today and Sora absorbs the culture of the nearSora Lazio and in particular even if located in Abruzzo. For a long time the country has been a fortress then passed under the dominion of various families including the Piccolomini.

RELIGIOUS  PLACES IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF OUR STRUCTURE

A BBAZIA MONTECASSINO

The Abbey of Montecassino  was founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in 529 was during the Middle Ages, an important center forthe spread of monasticism in Europe. Repeatedly destroyed andrebuilt was destroyed in the bombing of 15 February 1944 andrebuilt after the war. The abbey, as we see it today, is indeed aperfect reconstruction was. The entrance to the monastery beyondthree great Renaissance cloisters, which allow you to reach the church which houses the relics of the holy founder. Of the threedoorways in the center is only one original. To learn more about therole played by Monte Cassino in history, visit the Museum. Even today you can admire the archaeological area of ​​"Casinum"Roman. Crucifix In places along the road leading up all'abbazzia,there is the entrance to the National Archaeological Museum, in whose rooms are preserved numerous artifacts that testify to the shift from culture to the Roman Volscan.

It is 46 km from our  farm and it takes 46  minutes by car

SORA

A few kilometers away, Sora, the main center of the valley of the Liri, a modern town at the foot of Mount San Casto barren, fertile valley on the edge of na. And 'the capital of a rich agricultural area, also affected by the settlements of the agglomeration of manufacturing and industrial Sora-Isola del Liri. Among the vestiges of its ancient past are the rock sanctuary of the god Silvanus (II century AD), the polygonal walls and the remains of the Castle of S. Casto (XI) and the Bridge Marmon (I century BC), not far from the Abbey of St. Domenico.La city is crossed by the green Liri and also, if only for a short distance from the river Fibreno that, near the Abbey of St. Dominic rejoining the Liri, from life, in the center of the nearby Isola del Liri, the famous Niagara Liri.Degna interest is also the part of the historic center (Cancéglie) survived the earthquake and the rebuilding of urban fascism, they survive the streets and antique shops of merchants and craftsmen, the church of St. Sylvester Pope recently ristrutturata.Nella old part of town are asked to: 
Holy Spirit, 
Santa Restituta 
St. Bartholomew the Apostle, 
San Francisco, 
St. John, 
New Year's Eve, 
San Rocco 
Sant'Antonio Abate 
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 
Along the course Volsci, are at one end of Independence Square where stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its bell tower and the "Tower", the Piazza Santa Restituta with the homonym church and later Piazza Palestro, where is the statue ofCardinal Baronius, finally, other extreme, Esedra Square flanked by two buildings that will open in a semicircle facing toward the bridge of Naples, as to embrace and welcome the visitor. 
Outside the historic center of the other buildings of religious worship should mention the Basilica of San Domenico [13], built on the remains of the alleged birthplace of Cicero's villa. In addition, the fortified castle known as "San Casto" or more commonly "Rock Sister", accessible only by foot paths and stairs are located along the route before the church of "Our Lady of Grace" and the "Castle" of Roman-medieval .

t is 18 km from our  farm and it takes 20  minutes by car

CASAMARI

Casamari Abbey is one of the most important Italian monasteries of Cistercian Gothic architecture. It was built in 1203 and consecrated in 1217. It is located in the municipality of Vero.Essawas built on the ruins of Roman town Cereatae called becausededicated to the goddess Ceres. The name derives from Latin andCasamari means "House of John", the birthplace of Caius Marius, a famous commander, consul seven times and opponent of Sulla in the civil war of 88 BC, also remembered in the name of the roadalong which the stands' Abbey (which connects with SoraFrosinone): via Maria.
With the decline of the Roman Empire and the subsequentbarbarian invasions Cereatae Marii-House suffered the same fate of the decay of Rome until the eleventh century Benedictine monkssettled in the place and founded the abbey.
The "Chronicle of Paper" or "Chartarium Casamariense" written byJean-Jacques de monaco casamariense Uvis Trustee on behalf of the abbot gives the news about the foundation of the same.
. In 1874 the abbey was declared a national monument and itregained a position of prestige and greater economic stability. In1929 the congregation was chosen canonically Casamarimonastic congregation and it was combined with the other order of the Cistercians.

It is 28 km from our  farm and it takes 35  minutes by car

CERTOSA DI TRISULTI

This famous and stately Abbey was founded by Pope Innocenzo III in 1204 in the middle of secular woods. Inside you can see the rich invaluable works of art Church and the ancient Pharmacy (XVII Century). 
The Abbey is a National Monument and contains a well supplied State Library.

t is 52 km from our  farm and it takes 65  minutes by car

NATURAL PLACES IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF OUR STRUCTURE

LAGO POSTA FIBRENO

Post Fibreno, small and charming town Ciociara (located 45 km.From Frosinone), is known by many tourists "naturalists" especially for the existence, locally, to a nice lake (from the typical form zig -zag) in which lives a rare species of trout (carp) and tasty-looking ..."inviting".
In addition, the real peculiarity of the famous Lake Fibreno Post,stems from the fact that the water in both winter and summer,retains its temperature (about 10 to 11 degrees C).
Although the lake is the main attraction for tourists, the country,shows, the attentive visitor, with a beautiful aspect of a medieval village (hilltop), and rich, around the lake, the ancient rural buildingsthat are still today, the setting for the beautiful landscape.
Located m. 430 above sea level, this small country (just 1,500inhabitants, approximately), as well as offering (as mentioned above) true natural beauty is mentioned in tourist guides, even for the architectural and artistic beauty in the country.
In the main church, for example, holds true works of art (as a beautiful painting of the '500!), While at the Shrine of St. Maria della Vittoria, there is preserved a beautiful seventeenth-centurypainting depicting the Virgin Mary.
This village is also remembered because, in the territory postes, very long ago, there was the land ownership of the great Marcus Tullius Cicero.
What say? If you want to spend hours in peace (in a lake reallylovely), then come here ... and of course ... "good relax" ...

It is 9 km from our  farm and it takes 15 minutes by car

PESCASSEROLI

Located in the Alta Valle del Sangro, Pescara is the most important center of the Abruzzo National Park. This resort offers large possibilities for a winter holiday: 14 slopes, modern lifts, cross-country skiing and plenty of hiking trails in harmony with nature. These plants create a network of ski runs varied, suiting different needs. The highest peaks, the best facilities, wide slopes and fun, here is the offer of Abruzzo for snow lovers. For lovers of ski mountaineering, the mountains of Abruzzo is an ideal soil: the gently rolling uplands and beech trees provide to the people of an extraordinary variety of cross-country trails.
Those who aspire to dream trips, located in the Abruzzo National Park, a paradise, in the valleys, mountains, thick woods. A swirl of routes that do not necessarily require the skis: snowshoe hikers, more and more in these areas of the Apennines and can enjoy breathtaking views. Cross-country skiing for all fans of this noble sport and ecological many beautiful rings. Among the best known, even for the natural interest and charm of the crossing areas, there are those of Forca d'Acero and Macchiarvana Opi Red and Prato Pescara. At the foot of the dense beech forests of Mount Calm, Transverse of Serra and Serra del Re, Macchiarvana of the Plateau is one of the most interesting and enjoyable of the Park of Abruzzo. Splendid beech trees frequented by the bear, easy and full of peaks to sweeping views of the Sangro Valley and the Val di Comino, sinkholes and karst fields complete the picture. Covered with snow, the large amphitheater of Macchiarvana enhances its already considerable charm. Winding up and down on the ground since the early eighties the cross-country skiing the most popular and appreciated in this part of the Apennines. Also in the dense beech forests around, the snow-covered driveways allow many other paths.
Plants of Costa calves are the ideal base for the most beautiful days in the snow, or for real alpine adventures .. After a day on the snow, are a must, a little 'shopping among the many proposals of local crafts and a visit to taste the cheese, ricotta cheese, meat, pasta, sweets and liqueurs (especially welcome after a day on the slopes!): a world of special flavors and quite local, like the kind from which they grow.

It is 48 km from our  farm and it takes 55 minutes by car

WALK ON MOUNT NEAR ALVITO , VICALVI AND POSTA FIBRENO AND DISCOVERY OF THE SINKHOL OF FOSSA MAJORA

"Fossa Maiuri," gigantic chasm already mentioned in ancient times ("descrittione et d'Alvito's contact" Prudentia 1574) in the texts of historians and naturalists, for its geological and natural features.The area remains an example of integration between human activities (agricultural and pastoral) and the balance of nature, in spite of the unstoppable process of land abandonment, reveals the testimony of an era now almost forgotten.

A few kilometers from the village of Alvito, the mountains bordering Abruzzo, there is the so-called Trench Maiuri (815 m), a karst depression which forms almost a natural amphitheater: it is a giant sinkhole about 100 feet deep and of approximately 3 km in circumference, in the shape of a truncated inverted cone that has a perimeter greater than a kilometer. Here you have the water supply source of Fibreno.

Within the area there is a fountain from which water flows sulfur-ferruginous. This unique karst depression with the ancient districts of Cortignale and Cappudine, now abandoned, at present appear to be genuine ghost town. The two villages were entirely depopulated after the war already, but within the walls of the stone houses you can still understand the customs and rules of civilization disappeared. The magnitude of this invaded funnel is really impressive and numerous landslides tend to enlarge the edges, while the bottom is littered with caves and vegetation, using the special habitat created by 'invaded moist to thrive.

Many are also animals that find refuge in the Fossa Maiuri is not uncommon glimpse of hawks flying away from the walls. Even the sides, along which a road is always being landslide, are covered by a varied vegetation of herbs, including, besides those already mentioned, stand the stems thick and dense thorn bushes and rue of juniper. Also present in thick hedges, cherry, rowan, and hazel nuts, oak, hornbeam, hawthorn, ash, and Ailanthus broom weed.

A dog land languages, scrofularie, Clary, Delphiniums, garlic and wild roses. Here and there white poplars and aspen. Around the pit, after about half an hour's walk, you reach a fork, turn left (SE) goes in the direction of "Castle" (the dirt road joins the road from the cemetery of the village castle), turn right (SO), the path climbs gently to the Mount Morris, despite the appearance of barren hills and sinkholes, the careful observer will not escape the variety of species encountered, patches of juniper and elderberry bushes, alternating with groves of flowering ash, laburnum, oak, hazel, cherry trees, maples, pines, cultivated fields and meadows enhance the spring blooms of wildflowers and wonderful orchids (morio, pauciflora, Italic, purple, etc..) reached the crest of Morrone, it overlooks Post Fibreno Lake, the Castle of Vicalvi and the city of Sora, behind the walls of the mountains of the Abruzzo National Park is the setting for a breathtaking panorama that spans the valley of Comino and the Liri Valley.

Continuing south-east, in about 10 minutes you can visit another doline karst (smaller pit Maiuri) called "fossa Lisa."

CAMOSCIARA

Located in the heart of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise is a beautiful natural area where you can spend unforgettable moments in close touch with nature ... 
Access is only allowed to walk along marked trails that leave from the square. For the past few years, access has been closed to motorized traffic and is now allowed only on foot, by bike, by train or coach along the way .. s can also see wild animals such as deer, fox, hare and many more! 
The Nature Reserve of Camosciara 
emerges and is distinguished by its appearance and the structure of dolomite and to the advantage of a few acres encompass the main elements of the fauna and flora of the Abruzzo National Park: the symbolic place of the Park, a fascinating and rich in every season. 
From the road we walk towards the starting point of the paths in the silence "disturbed" only by the sounds of nature, accompanied by the flow of Scerto, a small stream that flows into the first course of the Sangro. Along the road leading to the square you can see the oaks, a variety of oaks and maples along the vegetation along the banks of rivers. If you are lucky you can admire the majestic birds of prey that inhabit the steep rocks of the Park, such as the Buzzard and the 'Golden Eagle. 
The center of gravity of the public interest has thus moved to the Meadows of Mill, as well as parking areas, picnic areas. 
The particular beauty and magnificence of the structure of the geomorphological Camosciara, characterized by Alpine crags joined the great value of natural vegetation formations The reserve is also inhabited by the most important wildlife of the park: the bear Marsicano, the Apennine wolf, deer, otters , the golden eagle, and of course the chamois of Abruzzo.

It is50 km from our  farm and it takes 60  minutes by car

GROTTE DI PASTENA It is50 km from our  farm and it takes 60  minutes by car

just over the border that separates the province of Frosinone Latinafrom that is Pastena, castle home Volscan, resurrected in 1227with the domain of the House of Dragon. What makes this placefamous is the presence of some caves in the surrounding area of origin Caral visitors / tourists from outside the cave looks like ahuge cave which directs a stream of water, which erosion, over millennia, has given its characteristics. The space, just inside, is divided into two parts: the immediate, or so-called fossil, about 900meters long which allows a detailed tour of the cave and havinglarge cavities (weeping willow hall, hall tiles hall of wonders , hall of columns, the hall of Calvary) and the main attractions, and the still active for the presence of Pit Master, which is accessed down a ladder safely and readily accessible, about 200 meters long, and that comes out of the bag in the Valley Falvaterra , after a journey ofover 2000 metri.sica, the most interesting at the national level.