Visit Anagni
Anagni is an important historical town in Italy situated in the centre of the Lazio region, south-east of Rome. Many popes and important families lived here and cosntructed their impressive buildings, especially around the 13th century.
A visit to Anagni can start from Anagni Cathedral, built between 1062 and 1105 in the place where the ancient acropolis was situated, which had Roman temples dedicated to Ceres, Mars and Saturn. The Cathedral of Santa Maria is considered one of the best preserved examples of Romanesque art in central and southern Italy. Located atop a large and impressive staircase, the bell tower was erected in front of the façade to avert the risk of soil compaction. The Romanesque style is best seen in the front façade, facing south, with its three portals and the refined décor of the “Matron Gate". Also interesting is the north side of the building, in which there are three apses, the greater of which is adorned with a loggia with sixteen arches and eight columns. On the western side you can see various different styles. Here also lies the chapel of Boniface VIII. On the right there is the baptistery roof, with a statue of the pope. Inside, the three naves are separated by pilasters, while in the sanctuary we can see the work of the famous marble worker Pietro Vassalletto (13th century). The mosaic floor, composed of blocks of porphyry, was executed in 1231 by the family of the Cosma.
The most important art treasure is the Cathedral crypt, which reflects the division into three naves of the basilica above. The walls are painted and have the most comprehensive pictorial cycle by the Roman school of the 13th century. The paintings, depicting stories from the Bible, are attributed to three artists each with different styles, from the archaic, of Byzantine inspiration, to the most realistic forward-looking Cenne di Pepi, called “Cimabue” (1240-1301) and Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337).
Not far from the Cathedral stands the Palace of Boniface, a very impressive building protected by medieval fortifications, towers and Roman walls. The interior is divided into large halls that are richly decorated and painted in a pure late-medieval style. Among the areas to be visited, on the second floor are the loggia, which has five lancet windows and the “Hall of the Exchequer”, in which the throne was placed. Next to this 'palace of representation' is the Traietto Palace, which served as the residence of the Pope.
The best example of medieval civil architecture in Anagni is the Town Hall, dating from the 12th century, by Jacopo da Iseo (12th century), who also created the imposing portico.
Walking along Via Vittorio Emanuele you will see a few examples of elegant aristocratic homes, often belonging to prelates, demonstrating the political and commercial importance of Anagni until the 13th century. Standing out in particular among these is the front of Barnekow House, which preserves the original external staircase, in a striking combination with some 19th century decorations created by a Swedish nobleman who bought the property.
Anagni food and wine
Also connected to the popes, who gave prestige to the city, is the wine production in Anagni - particularly the so-called “Cesanese”. Ruby-red, it was the official wine at the Papal Court of popes Innocent III Gregory IX, Alexander IV, Boniface VIII and Alexander VI (1431-1503). The city also was a favorite residence by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia (1194-1250) and illustrious princely families like the Borgias, Cajetani, Colonna, Orsini. This wine, produced from grapes grown and vinified in the area, is celebrated in October in the "Festival of the grape '.
Among the local food products, note the ricotta, goat and sheep cheeses produced by local shepherds, by methods that have been handed down for centuries. Also definitely worth tasting are the goat, lamb, veal and pork reared in the area; the trout from the Aniene River, honey, hams and sausages, and mushrooms. Some delicious local dishes to try are the "Tortoli", the "Patacche", “Ciammaruche”, “timbale of Boniface VIII”, gingerbread, and, finally, the "Sagnaccia" of Anagni.
See also history of Anagni