The municipality of Ausonia is nestled on a hilltop, in a strategic position. Looking out from the Medieval Castle, one can see the Abbey of Montecassino and the Gulf of Gaeta on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ausonia – Facebook @ Comune di Ausonia
The small medieval town of Ausonia is rich in artistic treasures. Eighteenth-century palaces adorned with portals, mullioned windows, twisted columns and arabesque cornices stand out in the historical town centre.
Stone Museum in the Castle
The Medieval Castle of Ausonia was built by the Princes of Capua. The Clock Tower currently houses the ‘Museo della Pietra’ (Stone Museum).
Patronal Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel – Facebook @ Municipality of Ausonia
The Church of San Michele Arcangelo stands on the highest point of the town. The Church was built on a pre-existing temple dedicated to the cult of Hercules, in white stone. It is the oldest monument in the town (12th-13th century). The Feast of the Patron Saint Michael Archangel is celebrated at the end of September.
Sanctuary of Madonna del Piano, photo from Facebook @ComunediAusonia
Ausonia’s most precious jewel is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Piano, in the valley below. The Sanctuary houses the 15th century Upper Church and the crypt embellished with a cycle of frescoes dedicated to Saint Remicarda. Also not to be missed are the Church of Madonna di Correano and the Church of Santa Maria a Castello. There is an equipped picnic area and an exercise trail in the Pineta di Selva Cava.
Ausonia is one of the most important marble processing centres in Italy. The ‘perlato royal‘, a unique marble, is produced in Ausonia.
marzolina
One of Ausonia’s typical dishes is ‘laine e ciciri’, a type of fresh pasta served with a tasty chickpea sauce. Try ‘marzolina’, a soft, spicy goat’s cheese with a very intense taste. The milk used is from goats reared in the Lepini, Ausoni and Aurunci mountains and in the Comino valley. The name derives from March, the month in which this cheese was traditionally produced. The Marzolina Festival in Ausonia is at the end of June.