An enchanted village that recalls the medieval atmosphere, between houses and narrow streets that intersect between its mountains. In our roundup between the villages most beautiful in Italy we take you to the discovery of Pico, a town in the province of Frosinone. A place that not only has ancient roots, but also a history linked to the present and which have made it famous. And so among churches, monuments, a characteristic castle, Pico became part of the association "The villages of Italy", so much so that it competed among the Italian localities for the prize final.
The ancient village of Pico and its history
"Streets and stairs that rise in a pyramid, thick with carvings, cobwebs of stone". We use this phrase of an Italian writer of the twentieth century, Tommaso Landolfi, a native of Pico, to describe the particularity of this village. “Lost in the mountains”, among the “mighty silhouettes” of the Aurunci mountains. And in memory of this writer a Literary Park was established in 2014, with the characteristic of crossing the narrow alleys of the historic center of Pico. And the historic center recalls the structure of the ancient medieval villages. Regular, narrow streets that are connected to each other by stairways that reach the castle. And then the walls that surround the village, and four doors to access the town.
The ancient castle and the main monuments
Inhabited by about three thousand inhabitants, Pico is said to owe its name, in the Celtic term "pik", pointed point, which would refer to the spur on which the ancient castle stood. And this castle is the most characteristic place in Pico. Giovanni Scinto, lord of Aquino built it around the year XNUMX. The ruins of the Farnese Castle feature turrets and a tower with a Renaissance clock. Among the churches to visit is that of Sant'Antonino, and that of Santa Marina with Romanesque characteristics.
Pico tourism, between nature and rally
Among the most beautiful places that can be visited there are the mountain paths inside the Natural Park of the Aurunci Mountains. In fact, the naturalistic landscape of Pico is full of charm. From afar you can admire the Abbey of Montecassino and the mountains of Abruzzo. But Pico is also known for the Automobile Rally, characteristic because the cars pass in the central square of the town. Among the appointments of the European Championship in collaboration with the Rally di Roma Capitale. And then the 16th of August is celebrated San Rocco. Characteristic is the procession and the blessing of the bread, decorated with colored ribbons.
Pico, between taste and gastronomic tradition
Like any Italian village, the culinary tradition of Pico is rich in typical local products. From salami, to oil, to wine, seasoned pork belly. And then the sausage, goat or bovine cheese, semi-fresh or seasoned. And still peasant soups of ancient flavor and snails flavored with mint.
So are you ready to visit this village? Eugenio Montale also celebrated it in Pico Farnese's Elegy by writing that Pico had "Streets and stairs that rise in a pyramid, thick with carvings, cobwebs of stone". A place to be discovered.
The images are taken from the Facebook page of the Municipality of Pico
Cute!
Beautiful.