Fumone, a Lazio village to be discovered

The small village of Fumone is located in the province of Frosinone, a few kilometers from Rome.

Situated at almost 800 metres above sea level, between the Ernici and Lepini mountains, it is surrounded by olive groves and has very ancient origins.

This small village is one of the most mysterious Italian villages. It is said, in fact, that the medieval village was part of a communications system to warn Rome of an imminent danger as it was in a strategic position.

What to see in Fumone

His Longhi-De Paolis Castle in 1295 it was the prison of Pope Celestine V who, right there, found death. Inside you can admire the “Well of the Virgins” where girls discovered not to be virgins were tortured. According to a law of the time the powerful man of the country had to spend the first night of marriage with the newly married women and if they were not virgins, they were killed.

It is said that within the walls of the castle some enemies of the local power were buried alive, such as theFrench Antipope Gregory VIII. 

Inside it, in the Archive Room, there is a case containing the body of the Marchesino Francesco Longhi, a child who died at the age of 5 and was embalmed using a mummification method that is still shrouded in mystery. It is said that the ghost of the child's mother wanders inconsolably through the halls of the castle.

Attached to the castle are the Hanging Garden, from which you can admire a breathtaking panorama, and the Ada and Giuseppe Marchetti Longhi House-Museum, which houses collections of historical and anthropological interest.

Fumone, a small village full of beauty

The mysterious charm of Smoke attracts many tourists every year. The two entrances, Porta Romana and Porta Napoletana, lead visitors through the streets of the historic center where you can admire houses, walls, towers and mullioned windows.

Must see, absolutely, the Church of SS. Maria Annunziata dating back to the 12th century with a façade defined by two pilasters and a bell tower. Inside you can admire the canvas by Buttaragi representing the Annunciation and the chapel of the SS. Sacramento containing the image of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso, the fresco of the death of Pope Celestine V, the pipe organ, the baptismal font and the statue of San Sebastiano, protector of the village.

Another beautiful building to see is the Church of S. Gaugerico dating back to the first half of the 14th century. The building houses the altarpiece of the main altar depicting the saint, the painting of the Madonna del Rosario by Vincenzo Cerica, the painting of St. Michael the Archangel and a wooden cross made by the local master Paolino Cialone.

Around Fumone

Near Smoke it is possible to take a tour in the Canterno Lake Nature Reserve rich in flora and fauna, but also the beautiful Anagni which gave home to 4 popes and the thermal baths of Fiuggi.