Acquafondata is a very small village about 130 kilometers south of Rome, in the province of Frosinone. It is best known for the zampogna, a thorn bagpipe manufactured here. In terms of population, it is the smallest municipality of the province.
Acquafondata travel guide
Tourist information
The address of the town hall is Piazza dei Caduti, 5 – 03040 Acquafondata (tel. +39 0776584432). The postal code is 03040 and the area code is 0776. Suburb: Casalcassinese.
By Car/Public Transportation
Public transportation from Frosinone: Take the train to Cassino and then the Cotral bus. (This one only goes four times a day).
Public transportation from Rome: Take the train to Cassino and then the Cotral bus. (This one only goes four times a day).
Car from Frosinone: Take the A1 or the SS6 to Cassino, then the SR630, then the SP132 and finally SP41.
Car from Rome: Take the A1 or the SS6 to Cassino, then the SR630, then the SP132 and finally SP41.
A brief history of Acquafondata
The municipality’s approximately 300 inhabitants live in a green valley between the Monti Aquilone and Monna Acquafondata ridges. It is situated about 1000 meters above sea level and is known for its healthy mountain air.
The first settlement at the site dates back to 1019, when the Counts of Venafro had a castle built here. This would later be sold to the Abbey of Montecassino. The name Acqua Fondata was not first officially used until 1806.
After the unification of Italy, the area was plagued by brigands and in World War II there was much fighting, which would eventually destroy the town almost completely.
A relatively large part of Acquafondata’s population consists of artisans who make the zampogna, a type of bagpipe used mainly in central Italy and Sicily. In the month of August there is a festival dedicated to the instrument in the city.
What to see
There are several monuments dedicated to (not only Italian, but also French and Polish) soldiers who fell during the liberation of Acquafondata in World War II.
The ruins of the Santa Maria Margherita Church.
Madonna del Carmelo Church: One day in 1841, the Madonna del Carmelo appeared to a woman who was working the land. Every year on July 16 there is a festival in honor of this day.
San Giovanni Battista Church: Oldest church in Acquafondata, built in the 12th century.
Built in 1692, the Chiesa di San Rocco is dedicated to the saint who helped people affected by the plague. Every year on August 16, he is honored with a festival.
Ruins of the forts of Acquafondata and Casalcassinese from the 14th century.
Festivals and Events
A festival dedicated to the zampogna takes place every year (the 43rd edition has been postponed and is now held on November 15 and 16 in the Piazza dei Caduti) . In August the sagra dei maccheroni alla casareccia and the sagra degli gnocchi are held.