Fiuggi

Fiuggi represents a unique case in Italy: a city with a double soul, divided between the medieval village perched on the hill (Fiuggi Città or Old Fiuggi) and the modern spa town developed in the valley (Fiuggi Fonte or Fiuggi Terme). This duality has ancient roots, linked to the presence of the famous oligomineral water springs that have made Fiuggi famous all over the world. The first settlement was founded by the Hernici, an Oscan-Umbran population that occupied these lands before the Roman conquest. From 367 BC, the small village, then called Anticoli (from the Latin ante colles, "in front of the hills"), came under Roman rule. During the Saracen invasions in the Early Middle Ages, the population moved from the surrounding countryside to the hill where the old village now stands, seeking natural protection. The beneficial properties of the waters were already known to the Romans by the name of "Fons Arilla," as evidenced by the ruins of constructions and remains of Roman roads found in the area of the springs. But it was in the Middle Ages that the fame of these waters exploded: Pope Boniface VIII (1294-1303) used them regularly to treat his kidney stones, and his name has remained linked to the main thermal spring. In the 13th century, the fief was acquired by Boniface VIII, before becoming part of the possessions of the powerful Colonna family from the 16th century until 1816. Another illustrious user was Michelangelo Buonarroti, who in 1549 found relief against the "stone disease" (kidney stones) that plagued him. As Giovanni Papini wrote: "It was nearly the case that the tireless artist, who had handled and carved so many stones, was killed by a tiny pebble formed treacherously inside his old body". After the Unification of Italy (1870), Anticoli was included in the province of Rome. In 1872, it was named Anticoli di Campagna in reference to the ancient papal province of Campagna and Marittima. The great change occurred in 1911 when, with Royal Decree of August 9, the name was changed to Fiuggi, extending the name of the hamlet that housed the thermal springs and was experiencing rapid tourist development to the entire municipality. That same year, the Boniface VIII Spring was inaugurated, marking the beginning of the modern era of thermal tourism. The 20th century saw Fiuggi undergo a complete transformation: in 1910, the monumental Grand Hotel Città di Fiuggi (now the Municipal Theatre) was built, a Liberty masterpiece by architect Giovanni Battista Giovenale. In 1916, the Roma-Fiuggi-Alatri-Frosinone Railway ("Le Vicinali"), with its narrow gauge, was inaugurated, giving huge impetus to tourism. The Liberty style spread massively, enriching the city with elegant buildings perfectly integrated with the medieval roots of the old village. From 1927, Fiuggi became part of the newly created province of Frosinone. Today Fiuggi is, after Rome, the city in Lazio with the most beds, hosting annual events of all kinds of great national and international importance.

What to See Boniface VIII Spring The beating heart of Fiuggi Terme. The current structure was redesigned by architect Luigi Moretti and built between 1967 and 1969, demolishing the original Liberty-style spa designed by Garibaldi Burba (of which the scenic Liberty-style entrance, inaugurated in 1913, remains). The building is surrounded by a magnificent 15-hectare park with lush vegetation, tree-lined avenues, and numerous fountains where oligomineral waters gush directly from the source at 12.4°C. The park is an oasis of peace where one can walk among centuries-old trees while drinking the therapeutic water. Fiuggi water is unique for its purifying properties: low in mineral salts but rich in organic substances that, filtering through volcanic tuff, ashes, and clay, acquire extraordinary properties in the treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract disorders.

Anticolana Spring The second major thermal spring of Fiuggi, less monumental than Boniface VIII but equally important from a therapeutic point of view. Also immersed in greenery, it offers water with the same beneficial properties and is frequented by those seeking a more tranquil and intimate atmosphere.

Medieval Village - Fiuggi Città At an altitude of 747 meters lies the ancient heart of Fiuggi, a perfectly preserved medieval jewel. The village retains part of the defensive walls, bastions, and the only surviving ancient gate, the Porta della Portella (the other two, Porta dell'Olmo and Porta del Colle, were demolished to allow urban expansion). Unfortunately, the castle on the upper part is gone, but the medieval atmosphere remains intact. The cobbled streets wind between stone houses, hidden squares, and breathtaking views of the valley. A stroll through the village is a journey through time, between millennia of history and authenticity.

Grand Hotel Palazzo del Freddo - Municipal Theatre Located in Piazza Trento e Trieste (formerly Piazza dell'Olmo), this magnificent Liberty building was designed by architect Giovanni Battista Giovenale in 1906 and inaugurated in 1911. Commissioned by engineer Celestino Carlini, it was purchased by the Grandi Alberghi company but abandoned before World War II. In 1964 it was repurchased by the Municipality, which transformed it into the current Municipal Theatre with an exhibition hall and a hospitality school. The building is a masterpiece of Liberty architecture and was recognized as a FAI Heart Place in 2017. Its monumental facade dominates the main square of the village.

Municipal Palace Designed by Luigi Rodolfi in the early 1900s, the municipal palace stands out for its airy council hall where an unfinished fresco by Alfredo Tosti is kept. The work depicts Pope Boniface VIII seated on a throne, surrounded by the papal court, while receiving a delegation of Anticolani ambassadors who bring him the water of Fiuggi - a testament to the ancient bond between the city and the Pope who made its waters famous.

Palazzo Falconi Built in the 18th century in the heart of the historic center, Palazzo Falconi houses a historical curiosity: the Napoleon Room. Around 1810, when news of the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte spread in Fiuggi (later revealed to be false), an anonymous painter (Master Ubaldo) dedicated this room to him by painting a silhouette of the emperor. The painting was meant to mock the visitors who had come to accompany the visit that never happened - a perfectly preserved example of historical irony.

Collegiata di San Pietro Apostolo Dating back to 1617, it is the main church of the historic center. This religious building testifies to the devotion of the Anticolani community and retains valuable Baroque architectural elements. It represents a spiritual reference point for the city. Church of Santa Maria del Colle Another important church in the village, situated in a panoramic position. Together with the Church of Santo Stefano (patron saint of the city), the Church of Santa Chiara, and the Church of Regina Pacis, it forms the rich religious heritage of Fiuggi Città.

Street Art Path "Anticoli-Fiuggi zer0 Km" A urban art project that has transformed Fiuggi into an open-air gallery. Part of the regional project "Lazio Street Art", these murals create a visual and cultural bridge between the medieval village and the spa area. The "Anticoli-Fiuggi zer0 Km" project celebrates the roots of the city by bringing together the soul of Anticoli (the ancient name) with contemporary artistic expressions. The artists have imprinted the story of Fiuggi on the walls, transforming everyday corners into engaging visual narratives. The path begins from the square in front of the theatre and winds throughout the village.

Palazzo della Fonte Inaugurated in 1913, this historic building is enriched by decorations and frescoes by Galimberti. It was considered one of the best hotels in Europe at its time and hosted illustrious figures including the King of Italy. It represents one of the historically most significant buildings from the golden age of Fiuggi.

Palazzo De Medici In the historic center, this ancient palace houses the famous "Well of the Virgins." According to legend, girls who refused to comply with the lord's ius primae noctis (the right of the first night) were thrown into this well. Although the ius primae noctis has been shown to be a historical falsehood, the legend continues to fascinate visitors and scholars.