SPERLONGA
by circeo
SPERLONGA is a very characterisitc city,30 km far away from my house....
Sperlonga is a small settlement entrenched around the top of the rocky headland of Monte Magno, jutting out to sea. The village owes its name to the large natural grotto or spelunca that opens out on this coastline. It is where the Emperor Tiberius decided to build his holiday residence and the cave is in fact known as Tiberius' Grotto. A National Archaeological Museum was built nearby along the Via Flacca to house the findings from the cave and is visited by many tourists, in particular by foreigners. The history of mediaeval Sperlonga is that of a small fishing village often forced to face attacks from the sea, such as the Saracen raids. In order to create a defensive line, four towers were built: the Torre Centrale, now undistinguishable from the village buildings, the Torre del Nibbio, the Torre Truglia at the entrance to the small harbour, and the Torre Capovento. For centuries Sperlonga was cut off from the main communication roads and so kept its natural environment intact. It can boast one of the cleanest waters in the Lazio region and has been awarded the prestigious European Blue Flag for the pureness of the water for four consecutive years. The marine flora and fauna has also remained unspoiled; a carpet of Poseidonian algae, evidence of the best biological equilibrium, fringes the rocky promontories. The long, golden shores of fine sand are also a main attraction of Sperlonga. Two small lakes, called the eyes of Sperlonga, add charm to the landscape. The Lago Lungo is only just separated from the sea by a narrow line of dunes. The Lago San Puoto or San Potito has few fish but has a rich vegetation, home to many and rare lake birds. The lake is named after a small church and monastery built there at the end of the XII century and dedicated to San Puoto.
Sperlonga (1)
by NonnaLou
"Old Sperlonga"
Sperlonga's ancient whitewashed houses are clustered and wound around a steep rocky crag, on Colle San Magno.
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It is a delight to explore the labyrinth of narrow, winding, cobblestone alleys, stone archways and long winding staircases which meander throughout the old town.
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Some steps lead steeply downwards to the sea or out onto unexpected terraces, revealing breathtaking sea views, indeed, there is something to be discovered around every corner. There is the 15th century church of San Rocco, and the 12th century church of Santa Maria di Spelonca (currently closed for restoration work.
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The charming little piazzetta is surrounded by little shops, restaurants and bars, where you can take a rest while taking in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
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This charming medieval town once served as a place of refuge from attack by seafaring Saracen raiders.
A defence system was constructed, consisting of numerous watch towers along the coast, those surviving are:
Torre Centrale, Torre del Nibbio, Torre Truglia, Torre Capovento, Torre Sant’ Agostino, Torre Viola, and Torre d'Orlando.
Torre Truglia still dominates the entrance to Sperlonga's small, but colourful harbour.
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Please now continue to my (2) Sperlonga Travelogue.
OR
For more information about MINTURNO and the SOUTH LAZIO area
please take a look at my SOUTH LAZIO WEBSITE :
http://southlazio.shapcott-family.com
Photos
Itri © NonnaLou
terrace
more arabic than italian
L' Infiorata, Flower Festival, Itri © L.Shapcott
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