Castellonorato : Hills and Mountains

The village lies about miles (6 Km) after the few houses of Trivio, a tiny suburb of Maranola, at the summit of the local hill (308 mt). The small countryside road connecting Maranola to Castellonorato is crossed by many secondary roads and pathways.

Some of these roads start from coastal lands not far from the beach and climb all the ways up to these peaceful rolling hills full of gardens, fields and vineyards, a rural patrimony that is interlaced with the local heritage, culture and landscapes of this territory.

Grain Fields near Castellonorato

Castellonorato lies on a pretty hill which travelers can access from south via Capo La Porta or near Capo la Terra antenna overlooked by the larger of the square towers. There is a single central roads entirely lined with buildings and rocks. The road splits at the Church of S.Caterina which contains a beautiful canvas by Andrea Mattei (18th century) and supports the ancient village coat of arms.

Legend has it that, beaten by the papal troupes and King Ladislao Durazzo, Onorato Caetani died of apoplexy a few days after the battle on 20 April 1400 and was buried in the castle grounds dressed in a suit of armour made of chiseled gold.

Castellonorato was bombed heavily during WWII but you can still make out the ancient medieval tower and the village gate have survived to the war. For many centuries this medieval gate has been the main entrance to the castle. Though there is one more entrance at the other end of the castle, this is the main entrance.

Characteristic middle ages village, Castellonorato has a wonderful panorama upon the maritime valley. In the distance visitors can also see the Redentore peak with statue of Christ the Reedemer placed there to commemorate the coming of the 20th century.

The castle was defended by the main tower which dominated the valleys above the Appias road, toward the road to Mount Cassino. This structure didn’t prevent his destruction in 1552 during the incursion of the Saracens leaded by Sinan Pascià.