The origins of Poggio San Lorenzo and its community are very ancient and date back to the Roman age with the walls and arches in opus reticolatum, the Roman Pontiche.
According to tradition the name Poggio San Lorenzo was given to the village by its inhabitants after the passage of Sant’Emidio (4th century) who preached the martyrdom of San Lorenzo.
The landscape is enriched by olive terraces, but there is no shortage of other rare natural beauties, such as the Piano dell’Abatino Wildlife Park and, near the Baths of Emperor Titus (Valle Gemma), the wonderful centuries-old holm oak.
In the main street of the village there is a beautiful oil mill with more than four centuries old. Today it is a museum that guides the visitor through the history of olive growing from ancient Rome to today.
The Parish Church of San Lorenzo, from the 14th century, hosts the Roman tomb of Caius Rufus.
Inside, it is possible to admire two valuable paintings: the Martyrdom of San Lorenzo and a Virgin with Child and Saint Joseph, dating back to the end of the sixteenth century.
Since 1980, the Piano dell’Abatino Wildlife Park has offered refuge to wild animals of the native fauna, exotic animals and victims of illegal trade and accidents.
Among the characteristic dishes we find fish with its dedicated festival: spaghetti with seafood, risotto alla pescatora and fried fish. Also typical are cauliflower, spearmint and apple fritters, excellent courgette flowers and anchovies, fried pizzas, gnocchi with wild boar sauce, fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, and truffle ravioli. Among the second courses we find grilled wild boar, grilled mutton and let’s not forget the extra virgin olive oil produced by the various oil mills in the area.