Benvenuti / Welcome to
Pastena
In 1153 the town was under the rule of duke Riccardo dell’Aquila, in the 13th century it became part of the duchy of the Caetani family. In the 15th century it passed into the hands of the Colonna family, then to the feudal barons of Patriarca. In the early eighteenth century Pastena became the domain of the Marquis Casali del Drago, and then formed a part of the Kingdom of Naples, until the unification of Italy in 1861.
This area was plagued by brigands including Louis Andreozzi, who was himself from Pastena.
The location of Pastena was once of great strategic importance, being on the border between the Papal States and the Kingdom of Naples (or the Two Sicilies).
Pastena is a small but picturesque, medieval village which is actually in the province Frosinone and belongs to the ancient region of Ciociaria. It is positioned on a hill, between two valleys at an altitude of 318 metres.
The name Pastena is derived from the Latin word "pastinare" meaning to cultivate. It is surrounded by fertile pasturelands, and verdant hillsides thus agriculture has always been the mainstay of the economy in these parts.
The first settlement was founded by people of the Volsci tribe before being finally taken over by the Romans. The first fortress was probably built around 800 AD, during the time of Saracen invasions along the coast.
The fortress was rebuilt in 1227 whilst Pastena was under the rule of the Del Drago family. Since then the village of Pastena has been well protected by its formidable high walls and strategically positioned towers. The citadel was said to have been virtually impregnable.
Originally there were 25 towers, however today only 15 remain, some of which are square in shape and some cylindrical.
There were just two gateways named after the direction in which they faced: Porta Roma and Porta Napoli.
Near to Pastena a boundary stone can still be found marking this old frontier.
The location of Pastena was once of great strategic importance, being on the border between the Papal States and the Kingdom of Naples (or the Two Sicilies). Near to Pastena a boundary stone can still be found marking this old frontier.
It is fascinating to walk around the towns walls and wander through the characteristic medieval centre and soak up the historic atmosphere.
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© LM Shapcott 2009
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