The village of Sonnino stands on a hill in the Ausoni Mountains, among olive groves, holm oaks, oak and juniper trees, and Mediterranean scrub.
Sonnino ph @ compagniadeilepini.it
The town, of Roman origins, is divided into four districts, characterized by stone houses, winding alleys, towers, doors, archivolts, small pillars, and steps, an incredible journey back in time.
The typical alleys of Sonnino
In the evening, the streetlamps illuminate the beautiful medieval buildings, and the imposing Castle with its cylindrical tower. Built on the top of Sant’Angelo Hill around the nineth century by the Lords of Sonnino, it passed later to another noble family.
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo ph @ compagniadeilepini.it
Not to be missed is the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, built around 1210 by the same architects of the Fossanova Abbey, and, in 1947, turned into the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie.
Also noteworthy are the 1200 Collegiate Church of San Giovanni, and the former Church of San Marco, now restored and turned into a concert and conference Auditorium. The historic centre, within the city walls, is accessible through the five gates Portella, Porta S. Pietro, Porta S. Giovanni, Porta di Tocco and Porta Riore, all connected to each other by walkways.
The “Museo delle terre di confine” in Sonnino ph @compagniadeilepini.it
Also worth a visit is the “Museo delle terre di confine”, where it is possible to experience the history of Sonnino, its community, traditions and events. In the territories of Sonnino and Terracina, lies the renowned geosite “Monumento Naturale di Campo Soriano”, a charming karst area among the largest in the entire Mediterranean basin, resulting from erosive processes.
The enormous limestone rock in Campo Soriano Ph @Parchilazio.it
But the most admired and photographed attraction is the 18 metres high limestone rock, finely shaped over time by the waters, called “Rava di San Domenico” or simply “The Cathedral”.
Sonnino boasts an excellent olive oil, that received prestigious awards over the years, as well as specialities such as the Caciaprete (handmade pasta), the maretata soup, sheep and goat meats, and almond or wine doughnuts.
The main event in Sonnino is undoubtedly the Festival of the Torches on Ascension’s Eve, a procession of about thirty kilometres along the city borders. Each participant carries a blessed torch as a symbol of the affection of the inhabitants to their land. Every year, an increasing number of enthusiasts joins this long mountain excursion through uncontaminated territories.