Fumone is a town in the province of Frosinone in the shadow of the Ernici and Lepini mountains. The same image that was presented to the eyes of medieval pilgrims can be perceived today. The narrow streets, arches and portals all create the same atmosphere as in the 10th century.
Castello Longhi De Paolis – photo Fbacebook @castellodifumoneofficial
The road to the Castrum climbs up Mount Fumone to below the walls, which are made up of hammer-tipped squared stones. The road was interrupted in ancient times by only one gate in the direction of Rome, Porta Romana. Porta Napoletana (known as Portella), on the other hand, was an emergency exit in the stretch of wall south of the town and facing in the direction of Naples.
The arrival point is Piazza di Porta Romana, from where a unique panorama can be seen. Passing through the arch, you can see the walls enclosing a perfectly preserved historic core, with arcades, stairways and suggestive niches. Not to be missed is the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie, which preserves a valuable 14th-century fresco.
The village is clustered around the Castle. At the same time a restful and heavenly place, it has stood out since the 9th century between the Ernici and Lepini mountains and has belonged to the Longhi De Paolis marquises since the end of the 16th century.
giardino pensile – photo Facebook @castellodifumoneofficial
Europe’s highest roof garden stands at 800 metres above sea level on 3,500 square metres of age-old trees! From this Italian-style garden, the panorama sweeps over Ciociaria all the way to Rome. From this unconquerable stronghold, in fact, a column of smoke used to leave during invasions and, from village to village, the same signal was repeated until it reached Rome. An impeccable system that even generated a saying:
When Fumone smokes the whole countryside trembles
Celestine V, Dante Alighieri‘s ‘ignorant’ pope who renounced the papal throne, was imprisoned and died in the fortress. During the guided tour you will see the prison and the Sanctuary of Celestine V, the small chapel built by the Longhi family in his honour. The halls of the Coats of Arms and Ancestors are self-celebratory and display ancient portraits and ornaments of the Longhi De Paolis family.
The local cuisine in Ciociaria is of peasant origin, simple and genuine. The main basis of typical dishes are ‘poor’ ingredients. Typical recipes include sagne pelose, fettuccine without eggs, just water and flour and a pinch of salt.