The blue and the green, the old and the new, flavours and traditions, all of this is Terracina! The Roman town, stretched along the Queen of the Consular Roads, has been a gateway to the Papal State until 1870. The Appian Way led to Brindisi, port of embarkation for the flourishing trade with the Eastern countries and conducted to the Holy Land through the Via Francigena.
Terracina – Piazza Municipio, with the Cathedral and the Torre Frumentaria
Coming from Rome, the Appian way climbs a narrow track which leads to a very high barrier, the former tempio del Foro Emiliano, now the impressive Cathedral of San Cesareo. At the top of a staircase, we can admire beautiful mosaics depicting knights, battles, and fantastic animals. The elegant bell tower next to the Church is embellished by a myriad of slender arches. However, the heart of the town is the ancient Roman Theatre, not far from the Capitolium, partially brought to light and with a capacity of 1.500 seats.
Temple of Jupiter Anxur
The Gulf of Terracina is encircled to the north by the profile of the Sorceress Circe (the Ulysses enchantress) on Mount Circeo and, to the south, by the Promontory of Gaeta, with the town of Naples in the background.
Temple of Jupiter Anxur
On the green Monte Sant’Angelo, above the magnificent historic centre enriched by towers, pointed windows, underpasses, and stone guardian lions, proudly stands the Temple of Jupiter Anxur, with its series of open arches overlooking the sea. From here, the view embraces the entire Gulf and, on clear days, the islands of Ischia and Capri, the pearls of Campania.
Below, we come across a Roman city-gate cut out of the rock, the Pisco Montano, and the eighteenth-century town with its straight streets and large squares. Not to be missed, the sea promenade, the port, and the Church of SS. Salvatore, similar to a classical temple, on the hemicycle square.
Thanks to the fresh air from the sea and the inland hills, in Terracina we can savour delicious strawberries, the Favette, celebrated during the Strawberry Festival, between May and June, when they are at their best. Try them in the unusual combinations with prawns and red tuna.
Campo Soriano
These sweet, tasty fruits can also been enjoyed accompanied by Moscato DOC from Terracina or artisanal ice cream with saffron, grown in the small enclave of Campo Soriano, in an isolated, almost invisible valley.
The traditional Procession of the Madonna del Carmine, or Carmelo, venerated by the fishermen from Terracina, takes place on the first Sunday after July 16. Once at the port, the Virgin takes to the sea on the last of a long row of boats. During the cortege, fishermen sell their catch of the day, and everybody marvels at the spectacular fireworks on the water.
Terracina has been awarded the Blue Flag in 2024, and, as a child-friendly beach, it also boasts one of the ten Green Flags in Lazio.