Ferentino is located in the northern part of the province of Frosinone at about 400 meters above sea level. The town has one of the best preserved historical centers in the area.
Ferentino travel guide
Useful information
Tourist information: The town does not have a tourist office.
Town hall: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 17 – 03013 Ferentino. Phone: +39 0775 2481.
Railway station: The train station Ferentino-Supino is on the FL6 line between Rome and Cassino. From this station you need to take a bus to the historical center of the city.
Tourist attractions
The most impressive remains of the city’s ancient past are the Cyclopic Walls, which are still almost completely intact. Other ancient sights are the Mercato Romano and the Acropolis.
The Santa Maria Maggiore Church is the most famous and picturesque church of the city. The Convento delle Clarisse, the Sant’Antonio Abate Church, the San Pancrazio Church and the Sant’Agata Vergine e Martire Church are other religious attractions.
The Porta Sanguinaria (“Bloody Bridge” owes its name to an ancient legend.
The main street is the Via Consolare. The Palazzo dei Cavalieri Gaudenti is an imposing building on this street. The Santa Maria Gaudenti Church is located next this palace.
A brief history of Ferentino
In the 5th century BC, the settlement that was to grow into Ferentino got involved in battles between the Volsci tribe and the Romans. The latter won, and Ferentino became part of the Roman state, its population obtaining citizenship.
Christianity quickly gained a foothold in the area. The settlement had been constructed close to several major roads, including the ones that led to the important abbeys of Subiaco and Montecassino. When Popes had to flee Rome, which was a fairly regular occurrence in those times, they often found refuge in Ferentino.
Ferentino in the Middle Ages
The territory of Ferentino prospered during the Middle Ages. The soil is extremely fertile, so its agriculture flourished.
In the second half of the 12th century, when Innocent III was Pope, the city became the political center of the area. The papal presence also caused other religious orders to settle in or close to Ferentino.
The Middle Ages were also characterized by continuous struggles with neighboring Anagni.
Ferentino in recent centuries
In the 16th century, the papal rulers moved away from Ferentino. The castle was destroyed and the Cathedral and the Palazzo Vescovile reconstructed.
The city fought against Napoleon’s troops towards the end of the 18th century.
During the 19th and 20th centuries were characterized by industrialization.
How to get to Ferentino by car
The Autostrada del Sole (A1) passes by Ferentino. A slower, but more scenic, way would be to take the Via Casilina (SS6) from Rome.