The municipality of Alvito is a charming medieval village in Ciociaria. It lies on the slope of Mount Marrone and overlooks the Comino Valley.
The village of Alvito is on three levels and has a characteristic horseshoe layout. It was considered the most important centre of the valley for seven centuries. It was a Benedictine possession in the 10th century, then passed into the hands of the Conti d’Aquino in the Middle Ages and, later, the Gallio family.
It has a beautiful historical centre embellished by the Ducal Palace, with its famous Court Theatre decorated with frescoes and stuccoes, and the Council Chamber with paintings by the Neapolitan School of the 18th century.
At the highest point of the hamlet of Castello stands the picturesque ruin of the Cantelmo Castle, which offers a breathtaking view.
The small village of Alvito also houses the Church of Santa Maria del Campo with frescoes dating back to the 15th century, the Palazzo Panicali with its two dovecote towers, and the Palazzo Sipari with its frescoed ceilings and library containing over 2000 volumes.
The city walls and gates, especially Porta Vado Grande, are very beautiful. It is interesting to visit the Churches of Santa Teresa, San Rocco, San Simeone Profeta and the former Convento di San Nicola.
For all Ghost Towns fans, don’t miss Curtignale and Cappudine, the ancient villages abandoned for over 400 years. Also not to be missed is the Fossa Maiura, a karst depression at a depth of about one hundred metres.
Taste local delicacies such as pan’amoll’, sagne with beans and polenta with pork trimmings. Local desserts include ‘caciate’ and, at Christmas time, the famous torroncino di Alvito, made of royal pastry with almonds and hazelnuts. In Alvito, Atina Doc vines are grown, from which the famous Cabernet wine is produced.