Surrounded by a fascinating natural environment, Prossedi is located on a hill in the Lepini Mountains on the border with the province of Frosinone, near the highway leading to the capital of Ciociaria.
Prossedi on the hill of the Lepini Mountains
Its territory stretches from the plains, near the Amaseno river, to the mountains. The historical centre, although having undergone several interventions over time, is rich in monuments and valuable architecture of medieval origin.
Entrance to the Church of Sant’Agata, patron saint of Prossedi
Entering the village from Porta Maggiore, the church of Sant’Agata, the village’s patron saint celebrated on 5 February, and the Romanesque church of San Nicola, the oldest in Prossedi, are worth a visit. Among the most significant monuments is the Baronial Palace that dominates the village with its four rectangular bastions and a large inner courtyard with a well in the centre, the Porta con l’Orologio. Just outside the centre, visit the Fontana dei Papi. Typical and delightful are the stone dwellings very close to each other and the narrow streets that climb towards the apex.
The characteristic stone houses of the hamlet of Pisterzo
Not to be missed is a walk to the beautiful hamlet of Pisterzo, located on the other side of the Amaseno Valley and reached through the woods. In its historical centre, characterised by its horseshoe shape and local stone buildings, you will find Palazzo Gabrielli, the Palazzo del Capitano and the Church of S. Michele Arcangelo.
Nature lovers should visit the Grotta degli Ausi, a cave located a few kilometres from the village of Prossedi. This is an easy excursion to be made without any special speleological equipment except for a headlamp. You will be amazed by the beauty of the natural scenery composed of beautiful limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites and a waterfall that feeds a small lake.
Among the festivals and fairs linked to the area and its gastronomic traditions are the Festival of Figs, the Serata delle Sette Minestre (Evening of the Seven Soups) with tasting of typical local soups. Moreover there is the festival dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel with the traditional cooking and distribution of blessed chickpeas at the homes of villagers.
Among the gastronomic specialities of excellence, special mention must be made of the buffalo mozzarella, produced throughout the Amaseno Valley with milk from local farms.
Prossedi is an Orange Flag village, a prestigious recognition awarded by the Italian Touring Club for the quality of its tourist-environmental development.