Fontana Liri Superiore: Medieval Center on the Liri

Fontana Liri Superiore is the historic medieval center of Fontana Liri. The village lies on a hill covered with olive trees overlooking the Liri River. If you are choosing a destination for your trip to Italy with a historical character, religious art, distinctive paths, and seasonal events, several different facets come together here within a small area.

Castello Succorte and the historic village

Castello Succorte is considered a historic residence of Lazio and was built around the year 1000. The present-day village of Fontana Liri Superiore developed around the castle. It is an ancient, partly abandoned village currently undergoing reconstruction at the foot of Castello Succorte, which once protected it.

Santa Croce: Church, Tower, and Museum

The Church of Santa Croce stands on the western side of the historic center of Fontana Liri, in a commanding position above the valley. It incorporates the former Church of Sant’Andrea. The square bell tower was converted from an older tower. Santa Croce also houses the Museum of Europe, established by Vincenzo Bianchi and dedicated to Michelangelo Buonarroti under the title “I nuovi primitivi.”

The town’s art-historical heritage includes a fresco from the first half of the 15th century. Its creator is unknown, and the work comes from the hall of Castello Succorte. Today it is kept in the town hall of Fontana Liri. The Fontana Abballe is also closely connected with the identity of the town: it is the fountain that gave Fontana Liri its name. Following a restoration funded with €40,000 by the Lazio Region, the Fontana Abballe was due to be inaugurated.

Paths between the districts

A nature trail connects Santa Croce with the Fontana Liri Superiore railway station. A panoramic staircase with 300 steps connects Fontana Liri Superiore with Fontana Liri Inferiore. These two connections give the town’s layout a clear vertical orientation. For you, the number of steps may be important when planning your day, especially if you are traveling with a stroller or want to avoid routes with many stairs.

Summer festivals and religious traditions

Fontana Lirica is a recurring summer event featuring classical music and opera in Fontana Liri Superiore. The 17th edition took place on July 22 and 23. From mid-July to early August, festivities in honor of Maria SS. di Loreto are also held. They combine deep religious devotion with a centuries-old history and living traditions.

Film history and local cuisine

In 1971, several scenes for Nino Manfredi’s film “Per grazia ricevuta” were shot at Santa Croce. Later, a small community built a chapel called S. Maria “de’Zupponis.” In December, the recurring event “Castrum Fontanae – Polenta e non solo …” takes place in Piazza Santo Stefano in Fontana Liri Superiore. Polenta with pork ribs and/or broccoli is served there, along with other dishes, including Neapolitan babà.

More destinations for your trip to Italy: Cassino, Vallecorsa, Montattico, Roccasecca, Frosinone, San Giorgio A Liri, Casalvieri, Alvito.

To the main travel overview: Frosinone.