Castelforte is a town and comune in the province of Latina , in the Lazio region of central Italy . It is located at the feet of the Monti Aurunci massif.
6-581: Suio is a frazione (rural borough) of Castelforte , a municipality in southern Latium , central Italy . It is located on the northernmost slopes of the Monti Aurunci , near the Garigliano river, and is composed of two villages: Suio Paese (or Suio Alto ), situated on a hill with a medieval castle, and Forma di Suio , at the feet of the castle, in a location where thermal baths exists. The latter were mentioned since ancient times by writers such as Pliny
12-591: The Knights Hospitaller of Gaeta , and the 15th century church of San Michele Arcangelo, at Suio Alto. The thermal baths are situated along the Garigliano River and are a result of volcanic activity causing natural bubbling springs to occur. During the summer and spring months the hot springs are a common local spot. The baths' water is high in sulfur and mineral deposits from the volcanic activity. These water qualities are thought to have beneficial effects on
18-710: The Elder and Lucan (Suio was a center of the Aurunci before the Roman conquest), and were frequented until the late Roman imperial times . Bath tourism became again active after World War II . Part of the Battle of the Garigliano (1503) was fought nearby. Other sights include the 13th century church of Santa Maria in Pensulis, which was perhaps built over a Roman villa, and was originally owned by
24-505: The skin by the local population, one of the reasons for its popularity. Castelforte Castelforte was founded most likely before the year 1000 AD. According to some scholars, it occupies the ruins of the ancient Auruncan town of Vescia, destroyed by the Romans in 340 BC (the commune includes the ruins of the large Terme Vescinae baths, in what is now the frazione of Suio). The medieval town ( Castrum Forte , meaning "Strong Castle")
30-568: The town in the latter year. In 1807 Suio, now nearly depopulated, was aggregated to the municipality. During the battles of Cassino of World War II, Castelforte, part of the German Gustav Line , was heavily bombed by Allied troops (1943–44). The city suffered hundreds of casualties in the event. There is a museum to commemorate the soldiers and civilians dead during that period. [REDACTED] Media related to Castelforte at Wikimedia Commons This Lazio location article
36-581: Was a typical stronghold (probably built to counter the Saracen presence at the Garigliano ) with a line of wall and rounded towers; the nearby Suio was defended by a castle. Castrum Forte's population was increased in 1320 when people from Suio moved here to flee malaria . People from Castelforte formed two companies which fought alongside Fra' Diavolo in resistance against the French Napoleonic troops in 1798–99. This caused them to besiege and storm
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