Discover Alatri

Alatri is a city in Lazio, in the province of Frosinone, in the heart of Ciociaria; It rises to 502 meters above sea level and has 28,000 inhabitants. Legend has it that it was founded by the god Saturn. Alatri retains an almost unique feature in Italy: the presence of an acropolis with an agora, that is the upper part of the city, typical of the Greek poleis. With the arrival of the Romans it was transformed into a civita, supported by megalithic walls, a work of extraordinary workmanship, with two access gates, dominating the lower city. The sacred life of the city took place in the agora, so much so that there was a temple, which was later transformed into the current Basilica of San Paolo, where the relics of Pope Sixtus, born in Alatri, are kept. There is also the relic of a host transformed into a piece of flesh, it is not a legend but a miracle recognized by the Catholic Church. Going down towards the historic center you will find delightful alleys and the central square of Santa Maria Maggiore from the name of the church there insistent. In the center of the square there is a fountain with marble slabs depicting the districts of Alatri. Next to the square is the Conti-Gentili palace, now home to various public offices, with one of the most beautiful sundials in Italy.