Roccasecca between castle history, pilgrimage routes and the Gole del Melfa

Castle history and frescoes

The Castello dei Conti d’Aquino was founded in 994 by Abbot Mansone of Montecassino as a defensive structure against the Lombards. The Chiesa Rupestre di San Michele Arcangelo is mentioned in 991 in the “Chronicon Casinense” by Leone Ostiense and preserves valuable paintings.

The Chiesa di San Tommaso preserves 15th-century frescoes recovered from the destroyed Chiesa di San Pietro a Campea. The Chiesa Parrocchiale S. Maria delle Grazie contains several frescoes rescued from the nearby Chiesa Rupestre di S. Michele Arcangelo.

The Chiesa SS Annunziata was demolished in 1750 and subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style. The early dates 991 and 994 therefore refer to the rock church and the fortress, while 1750 marks the rebuilding of the SS Annunziata. The fortress is a historical testament to Roccasecca; the rock church and the churches with frescoes are sacred testimonies of the town.

Pilgrimage routes and natural surroundings

Roccasecca is the eighth stage of the Via Francigena del Sud. In addition, the 15th stage of the Cammino di San Benedetto leads from Arpino to Roccasecca. For stage planning, the two references are clearly distinct: one route passes through Roccasecca as its eighth stage, while the other connects Arpino as its starting point with Roccasecca as its destination.

The Tracciolino, a road, crosses the Gole del Melfa along its entire length. When the Melfa carries water, its rapids attract canoeists from Italy and abroad. For this canoeing activity, the Melfa’s water level is therefore the specific condition.

The Gole del Melfa are characterized by forests, rock faces and caves and are also designated as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). The designated status refers to the Gole del Melfa as an area.

Getting there and brief orientation

The Falesia di Caprile is clearly visible from the road and can be reached in ten minutes. To travel to Roccasecca, the A1, the Autostrada del Sole, leads to the Pontecorvo–Castrocielo exit. For travel by car, this exit is the specific motorway connection. Regional public transport operated by Cotral is available from the railway station. The motorway exit and railway station therefore constitute two different travel options.

Via Roma and Broccoletto

At a festival in honor of Broccoletto roccaseccano, food stalls are set up along Via Roma. Via Roma is also called Piazza Longa. The name Broccoletto roccaseccano thus remains associated with the festival and the food stalls on Via Roma.

Other places: Fontana Liri Superiore, Coreno Ausonio, Posta Fibreno, Casalvieri, Pontecorvo, Castro Dei Volsci, Sant'Apollinare, Roselli

For the higher-level travel overview: Frosinone.