Ferentino is located on a rise in the Ernici Mountains, in the province of Frosinone, 75 kilometres from Rome, in a scenic position and its territory is particularly rich in spring waters, which have given rise to the splendid thermal baths.
Its medieval fortress is still today considered a masterpiece of civil engineering and one of the most evocative works of art: walking through its streets, one can admire the well-preserved city walls, the Acropolis, the Porta Sanguinaria, the most famous (so called because condemned prisoners passed through it on their way to the place of execution below), and the double-arched Porta Casamari.
The town is full of art and history, thanks to its numerous monuments and churches. In imperial times, the town was a favourite centre of the Roman nobility, attracted by its easy location, climate, beautiful villas, water springs, and a theatre 54 metres in diameter that could seat up to 3,500 people.
The Roman Market, which can be accessed through an eight-metre high arch, is paved in opus incertum and covered with barrel vaults: perfectly preserved, it is still in use today.
Ferentino’s historic acropolis with the Cathedral of Saints John and Paul, the bishopric and the seminary are of great interest.
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, founded by Cistercian monks, and the rock tomb of Aulus Quintilius Priscus, carved into the rock, are also worth a visit.
The Baths of Pompey, located in a centuries-old park, were known as far back as Roman times and Domitilla, wife of Vespasian, a native of Ferentino, is credited with their construction.
Typical dishes include pallocchi cull’erua, a typical pasta with vegetables, pantufu, baked in the oven, as well as handmade gnocchetti and fettuccine.
Pizza alla tiglia, especially with ricotta cheese, is worth trying, as is minestra col pane sotto (soup with bread underneath), almond cakes, struffoli at Carnival and pangiallo (a kind of cake).