Arce - Italy

Arce (FR)

Lazio (Italy)

The village stands at 250 m a.s.l. overlooking the valley of middle Liri. ns in 328 BC.
It was occupied by the Goths led by Totila as they fought against the Byzantines and was later destroyed by the Saracen hordes.
The village, thanks to its strategic position at the border of the Papal State and the Kingdom of Naples, became an important defensive stronghold.
At 504 m a.s.l. rises Rocca d'Arce, once a strategically important fortress.
Among the churches, S. Maria Assunta is worth visiting for its remarkable wooden cross, whereas the church of SS. Pietro and Paolo dating back to the 7th century is noteworthy for its two bell towers and its Greek cross plan.
Remarkable is also the Church of St. Antonio for its 12th century portal.
Before leaving the village the tourist should visit the Archaeological Park of the ruins of Fregellae near the lake of San Giovanni Incarico.
The excavations began in 1978 thanks to the work of some scholars from the University of Perugia helped by the University of Cambridge and the “Soprintendenza Archeologica del Lazio”.
All remains dates back to the first two centuries of the settlement's existence.
The archaeological research has unearthed the Forum, the Curia and the Comitium, one of the largest and most interesting circular buildings of this ancient site, in which the assembly for the election of Magistrates used to gather.
The whole area is now an archaeological park, which can be visited by booking in advance.
The park has been provided with an entrance, public lavatories and parking.
Within its territory stood the Latin colony of Fregellae, founded by the Roma.

Written by:
Tourism Promotion Agency of the Province of Frosinone - Italy (www.apt.frosinone.it)