The village of Broccostella dominates the Conca di Sora from the top of a hill over the Comino Valley. The historic centre preserves plenty of traces from the past, especially Neolithic weapons and furnishings.
Castello di Brocco in Broccostella
The Castello di Brocco, with its watchtower of great strategical importance, is an architectural jewel from the fifteenth century in the historic district of Brocco Alto. The Castle, renovated over the centuries, is a perfect example of medieval military architecture. Of the original structure, only five towers and a few wall sections are left.
Evidence of the Fortress’s ancient beauty are the stucco decorations in high relief from 1620, displayed at Palazzo Viscogliosi in Isola del Liri. In this work of art, the artist portrays the town and the castle as they were in the seventeenth century.
Church of the Madonna della Stella – www.comune.broccostella.fr.it
The Church of the Madonna della Stella, dedicated to the Virgin of Broccostella, was designed in the early 1960s by the architect Giuseppe Zander. This single nave place of worship stands out for its sharp geometries and the Mosaic of the Madonna della Stella, hanging in the presbytery.
Square and Statue of John Paul II – www.comune.broccostella.fr.it
A majestic statue of Giovanni Paolo II stands on the Square of the same name. It portrays the Pope, hand blessing in his benevolent attitude. On piazza Giovanni Paolo II, musical performances, cultural events, and traditional celebrations are often held.
Church of San Michele Arcangelo – www.comune.broccostella.fr.it
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo has been standing in Brocco Alto since the nineth century. The sculpted façade, showing typical details in the local style, has a long history, related to the religious and spiritual life of the district inhabitants.
Church of the Madonna delle Chiaie – www.comune.broccostella.fr.it
The Church of the Madonna delle Chiaie, 500 metres above sea level, is located at the end of a slope intersecting the road to the rural Church of San Michele Arcangelo, surrounded by olive trees. The site probably dates back to the fifteenth century, as well as the fresco of the Madonna and Child preserved in the Chapel.
In 1944, while the British Eighth Army Division was facing the Germans, a bullet landed on the altar and did not explode. The opening caused by the bullet is still visible through the small dome, bearing the description of the miraculous event. The Feast of the Madonna delle Chiaie is celebrated here in the month of May.
The ”sugar loaf” hills – photo www.cmvalledelliri.it
Broccostella stands out for its sugar loaf hills, dominating the Riserva Naturale del Lago di Posta Fibreno. The event “Ciclostorica Dalle Cascate al Lago” has been taking place throughout Ciociaria in the first week of October, for about ten years. The renowned bicycle ride runs along two routes dedicated to historical local figures. The 37 km track is named after Marco Tullio Cicerone, whereas the 80 km itinerary after Lucio Munazio Planco. The two of them cross the Liri and the Comino Valleys, including Fontechiari, Casalvieri, Atina, San Donato Val di Comino, Alvito, Vicalvi, Posta Fibreno e Sora.