The Nature Reserve

The nature reserve “Posta Fibreno lake” was established in 1983 by Regione Lazio and it is controlled by the municipal district of Posta Fibreno. It spreads out for 400 hectares and it includes some peculiar calcareous formations where you can also see the beautiful gorges.
The calcareous origin of the water allows the water to stay at a warm temperature of 11°C year-round.

The Lake

Posta Fibreno lake, or Fibreno lake (once called Posta lake) is a spring originating from a system of mountain springs that come from the basin of Valle del Sangro in Abruzzo. The basin of the lake has a long and narrow shape, a surface area of 0.287 km² and a depth of 2.5 meters. The deepest point of the lake is 15 meters and can be found in Carpello.

The Paths

There are many paths inside the protected area. Some of them have been well equipped with didactic panels. The materials used to construct the panels combined with the clear texts presentation give the tourists an easy way to learn about the territory. The most important paths include: the Catannovo path, which goes across the hill and arrives to the lake, and the Dolina la Prece path which connect the historic city centre to the lake shores.

The Floathing Island

This magnificent floating island was mentioned by Plinio the Old two thousand years ago in his Naturalis Historia works. The floating island (called “Rota” in dialect) was formed by a combination of roots, peat and marsh grass, and its movement is due to the wind action and the flow of underwater currents.

Casamari Abbey

Founded in 1035 by Benedictines, the abbey became Cistercian in 1140. The abbey complex is composed of several buildings that turn around a main kiosk. The Church structure is relevant too, it has evocative gothic and Cistercian forms. The interior is characterized by a contrast between its architecture and the magnificence of the canopy, which was built using marble and polychrome stuccos and added to the church in 1711.

Montecassino Abbey

Founded by Saint Benedetto da Norcia in 529, the abbey was an important cultural centre in the Middle Ages. Its monks saved much literature from their times. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1349, the abbey was rebuilt and became monumental because of numerous extensions and transformations. The abbey gained and maintained a sumptuous aspect until 1944 when a heavy bombardment totally destroyed the building. After World War II the big complex was reconstructed.

Alatri

A very old medieval village, with famous, 2 km long polygonal walls which surround the Acropolis (the old Civita) and the Duomo. From Alatri it is easy to go to Collepardo, founded in XIII century, where you can see the Bambocci Cave, the Certosa di Trisulti, an ancient pharmacy (XVIII century) and Innocenzo III Palace where “De comtemptu mundi” manuscript was written. 

Anagni

Placed on a spur, the city dominates the Sacco valley. The medieval atmosphere is evident in “dei Caetani”, neighbour, with its Roman Cathedral and the crypt frescos, the famous Bonifacio VIII Palace where Sciarra Colonna, a supporter of Filippo il Bello, slapped the Pope.

Arpino

Important people were born in this village : Caio Mario, Cicerone, and Giuseppe Cesari, better known as Cavalier d’Arpino. In Arpino you can find Civitavecchia Acropolis, situated on a hill surrounded by polygonal walls. The Acropolis preserves ruins of medieval defense, towers and a pointed arch door.
Events : Cartamen Ciceronianum Arpinas (May), an international competition that involves translating Cicerone texts and commenting on the texts; the Gonfalone (August) a historical competition among town districts; Voutstock (July), rock concerts with national artists.

Atina

The Ducal Palace and the Civic Museum collect archaeological pieces from Atina and the Comino valley, as well as medieval ruins, frescos and a Roman mosaic. It houses the Museum of Folklore, with ancient rural instruments and traditional costumes.
Recent excavations brought to light ruins of an imperial time domus.
Events : International Jazz Music Festival (July), International Folklore Competition (August).

Isola del Liri

An island characterized by marvelous falls and the Boncompagni Castle with its impressive park.
Event : Liri Blues and Liri Jazz (both in July).

Ferentino

A famous town known for its pre-Roman walls, the Acropolis and the Roman Duomo. Santa Maria Maggiore Church is a prime example of gothic-Cistercian architecture.

Fiuggi

The town is situated on a panoramic area and is well known for being a thermal centre. Its water quality has been well known since ancient time : Pope Bonifacio VIII sent his messengers to Fiuggi to get the water he needed to cure his illnesses. Michelangelo wrote a letter saying that he used to drink Fiuggi water.
The two most important places to visit are the Bonifacio VIII Springs, a modern bathing spa built in 1965 in the wood; and a renown spa that uses cold water situated in a park.

Sora

The famous Italian movie director Vittorio de Sica was born in Sora. Sora is a modern city , with a Cathedral, the Santa Restituta Church (situated in a panoramic position) and the San Domenico Church which preserves Roman ruins.