Montattico: Roman traces and routes into the mountains

Montattico brings together Roman traces, medieval castle ruins, and paths through the mountains. The place name is connected with the villa that Tito Pomponio Attico owned here in the 1st century BC. The ruins of a medieval castle have been preserved in Montattico. The construction of the watchtower is dated differently: once to around the year 1000 under the rule of the Counts De Marsi, and once to the second half of the 11th century, when Oderisio, Count of the Marsi, is said to have built it. The present-day village developed around the watchtower on the ruins of Atticus’s refuge.

Roman and medieval traces

The Torre di Avvistamento Medievale was built on the ruins of Tito Pomponio Attico’s villa and was intended to serve as a watch post over the entire Valle di Comino.

A Roman inscription in Montattico commemorates the freedman Pomponius Tigranus: In the 1st century AD, Caio Pomponio Tigranus, a freedman from the household of the Pomponii, had a road for heavy carts built at his own expense for 1,500 sesterces. The inscription carved into the rock at Pietra scritta is visible from the mule track leading to Montattico. The road mentioned at Pietra scritta led to Tito Pomponio Attico’s villa.

Tower, valley views, and visiting

The Torre di Avvistamento Medievale is freely accessible from the outside; guided visits are possible by prior arrangement. The ruins of the watchtower offer spectacular views of the valley below. Your visit can therefore combine the historic site with a view over the Valle di Comino, without separating the medieval complex from its historical significance.

Montattico as a hiking destination

The Cammino delle Abbazie also leads to Montattico: Stage 8 runs via Casalattico to Montattico. The first section of the Cammino delle Abbazie to Montattico is well signposted. According to the route description, the signage for the section after Montattico is difficult to recognize; a GPS device or the accompaniment of a guide familiar with the area is therefore recommended. This distinction helps you realistically assess your ability to find your way depending on the section you choose.

Impressive hiking trails lead from the hamlet of Montattico to the mountain massif of the Monti Obachelle and Marro. Those who want to experience the landscape in addition to castle and tower ruins will find a second focal point of the place here. History, views, and mountain paths can thus be combined in different day plans.

Madonna della Pace

In Montattico, the Madonna della Pace is venerated on July 29 in memory of the cholera epidemic that struck the village in 1837. On July 29, 1837, the inhabitants of Montattico held a solemn penitential procession through the streets of the village in devotion to the Madonna della Pace.

Other places for your orientation

For further orientation in the region, you can also discover Sant'Apollinare, Vallecorsa, Gallinaro, Pignataro Interamna, Patrica, Roccasecca Stazione, Vicalvi, and Pico.

For the higher-level travel overview: Frosinone.