Perched on the slopes of the Aurunci Mountains, Itri stretches into the sea, along a narrow strip of land between the Coasts of Sperlonga and Gaeta.
The perfectly preserved Medieval Castle, surrounded by the village original settlement, majestically stands on top of the Sant’Angelo Hill. The imposing fortress consists of heterogeneous towers, united by a few buildings. Some say that, during storms, ghostly moans are heard, while a dark cloak flutters along the patrol path connecting the Castle to the Torre del Coccodrillo.
Medieval Castle of Itri – www.ilcastellodiitri.it
The Cavea, with its three cylindrical turrets, served in the past as a refreshment area for horses, servants and soldiers. From here, you can spot Vico Giudea, the Jewish Ghetto, where a Synagogue once stood.
Not to be missed are the two kilometres of Roman paving stones along the Ancient Via Appia. The Regina Viarum winds through the impressive Gorge of Sant’Andrea, crossing mighty square and polygonal buildings and more recent ones, such as the Fort of Sant’Andrea.
Sanctuary of Maria SS.ma della Civita in Itri – www.ardiocesigaeta.it
On Mount Fusco, about twelve km far from the town, stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Civita, a magnificent pilgrimage destination in the heart of the Parco Naturale dei Monti Aurunci. Itri is the birthplace of the brigand Michele Pezza, born in 1771 and known as Fra’ Diavolo, whose house is located in the historic centre. The Museo Demoantropologico del Brigantaggio nel Lazio Meridionale is dedicated to the once widespread phenomenon of brigandage. “Fra Diavolo”, the film from 1930 starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, was inspired by this bandit. Their voices were dubbed into Italian by the unforgettable Mauro Zambuto and Alberto Sordi.
Itri has been the set of several movies. Among them, we remember some scenes from “La Ciociara” by the famous Director Vittorio De Sica, the epic “La Bibbia”, and “Scipione, detto anche l’Africano” by Luigi Magni. The travelling event “Fondi Film Festival”, which has been taking place in Fondi, Itri and Sperlonga for over twenty years, crosses the Ulysses Riviera for ten days from mid-September.
The local product of Itri, ingredient of many typical dishes, is the Gaeta olive, processed in various ways.
zeppole from Itri
Among the strongest traditions in Itri, stand out the Feast of San Giuseppe and the Bonfire, held in mid-March. The event celebrates both the Patron Saint of carpenters, and the arrival of spring. A puppet made of old rags, the màmmuòcc‘, symbolizing winter, is burned on the bonfire still today. On Father’s Day, the centenary custard Beignets of San Giuseppe, Zeppole in Itri, are fried in honour of San Giuseppe Frittellaro (fritter-maker, as a popular prayer says).
Flower Show in Itri – Facebook @infiorataitrana
The Flower Show in Itri has come to its thirtieth edition. Wonderful geometrical floral works adorn the streets of the historic centre, depicting religious and secular scenes. During the Festival, the heart of the town comes alive with the music and colours of street artists, performers, and folk groups.