Patrica is a small village in Ciociaria, perched on a steep rocky ridge in the Lepini Mountains, a cascade of houses with typical reddish roofs by Monte Cacume.
Bench of the Lepini in Patrica – www.comune.patrica.fr.it
The village is located at approximately 450 metres above sea level, in a dominant position over the Valle del Sacco. An impressive view can be enjoyed from the 3×2 metre Giant Bench of the Lepini, at the foot of the old centre, inaugurated on June 18, 2023. We can easily reach it on horseback or by bike, starting from the Padre Pio curve, where we can find a noticeboard, and continuing along Via Per Calciano, the foothill road connecting Patrica with Giuliano di Roma.
At the entrance of the historical centre, stands the Neoclassical Church of San Rocco, made of blocks of peperino, the local volcanic stone, as well as the watching tower in front. Not far away, we can admire the Church of the Madonna della Pace, an elegant, small, elevated temple with a decorated façade, and, in piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the fifteenth century Palazzo Comunale, with its portico, “La Ioia”, used for public assemblies or as a market.
Patrica – www.comune.patrica.fr.it
Up a steep and tortuous staircase, we reach the imposing Church of San Pietro, the largest in the Diocese of Ferentino. In the opposite part of Patrica, stands the baroque Church of San Giovanni Battista and, on the highest point, the Palace of the Spezza family, built in 1700, surrounded by a garden with statues and maskarons representing mythological subjects.
Patrica is the starting point for excursions into the Lepini Mountains, covered with chestnut, oak and beech trees. Do not forget a trek up to the interesting 1,100 metres high Monte Cacume, reachable in about three hours walk.