The municipality of Castelliri lies at the foot of the mountains that proudly bear the name of the Ernici, the people who inhabited it before it became a Roman colony in 305 BC. Underground, little-known caves are concealed above the new centre, in the shadow of the ancient hilltop village.
Castelliri is crossed by the Liri River, which gives its name to the valley of the same name, and has pre-Roman origins, documented by the discovery of objects dating back to the Stone and Iron Ages. A castle, the Castelluccio, was built in the Middle Ages. In 1456, a terrible earthquake destroyed villages, castles and the Abbey of Montecassino. Later, Castelliri became the base for papal troops in the fight against the Dukes of Sora.
Among the many churches in the historical centre of Castelliri, visit the Church of Santa Maria Salome, which houses a 17th century cross that belonged to Cardinal Baronio.
The Red Garlic PDO of Castelliri is on the national list of Traditional Food Products. Red Garlic has a colour between white and pink and a strong flavour with a spicy aftertaste. Fresh cloves of red garlic make delicious ‘spaghetti ajo e ojo’ (spaghetti with garlic, oil and chilli), omelettes and bruschetta.