Discover the history of Anagni, a town in the province of Frosinone known as the City of Popes. Four popes were born here, including Innocent III, Alexander IV, Gregory IX, and Boniface VIII, who left his mark on history with the episode of the “Slap of Anagni”. Explore the city, which was for a long time a papal residence and seat, and discover its unique historical and cultural roots. Visit Anagni and immerse yourself in its fascinating history!
Anagni: a millenary city
Anagni was the capital of the Hernici, located between the Hernici mountains and the Sacco Valley. According to Ambrosi De Magistris, one of the most important local historians, the name of ancient Anagnia has roots in the Italic languages. Legend has it that Anagni was one of the Saturnian cities founded by the god Saturn along with Alatri, Arpino, Atina, and Ferentino.
As we were saying, it was founded by the Hernici, an ancient Italic population, who gathered by the rivers to practice their religion and politics. Anagni was their sacred city and the surrounding territory was fertile and suitable for agriculture. As ancient writings report, the Hernici were known for being skilled cultivators and crop producers.
The medieval center of Anagni is a must-see, with its elegant architecture, Romanesque churches, and charming squares. Among the main attractions, the palace of Boniface VIII, the Barnekow house, and the cathedral, with a splendid crypt and frescoes from the Italian Duecento period.
The city has a complex history, having been the scene of struggles between the Colonna family, King Philip IV of France, and Pope Boniface VIII, who was made a prisoner here and suffered the episode of the “Slap of Anagni”. In 1798, Anagni took part in the Jacobin movements that led to the Roman Republic. Discover the unique history of Anagni and visit this fascinating city in the region of Ciociaria.
Anagni in Roman times
It was conquered by the Romans in 306 BC, becoming a prefecture and then a municipality. Among the illustrious citizens of this era, we remember the general and consul Fabius Valens. He was born in Anagni in 35 BC, was a friend of Emperor Nero, and commander of the Legio I Germanica during the Year of the Four Emperors.
During Roman hegemony, Anagni underwent significant transformations, highlighted by archaeological remains such as the city walls, the “arcazzi”, stretches of the Latin Road, rustic villas, baths, and inscriptions. In addition, some minor figures of ancient Rome, such as Evodius and Marcia, were originally from Anagni.
The Middle Ages
In the year 1000, the reform of the Church and the local rebirth led by the Benedictine monk bishop Pietro di Salerno, led to the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria di Anagni. This religious building, consecrated in 1104, became the center of religious and social life in the city, reorganizing the diocese and initiating the restoration of other urban buildings. Thanks to these developments, Anagni experienced a period of cultural and architectural rebirth.
After the year 1000, the city of Anagni maintained its Roman structure but was renewed with new sacred buildings and civil palaces. During that time, over fifty churches were built in the medieval city. In the center of the Roman walls, a road crossed the entire city, while outside the walls several villages were founded for the rural population and the small centers of the area.
During the struggles between Pope Alexander III and Frederick Barbarossa, in 1160 the excommunication against the emperor and against the antipope Victor IV was pronounced here. In the 13th century, it became a lordship of the Caetani family. It was a period in which the city experienced an extraordinary splendor, with about 50,000 inhabitants and four popes (Innocent III, Alexander IV, Gregory IX, and Boniface VIII) born in its territory. Thus, it earned the nickname “City of the Popes”. After the return of the popes to Rome, it underwent a strong decline, with only about 2,700 inhabitants, and was ruled by dukes appointed by the Church.
Anagni was the capital of the Department of Circeo during the Roman Republic and had a censorship court. In the 19th century, Anagni played a role in the events of the Roman Republic and was the headquarters of the first division of the republican army commanded by Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Anagni in the 19th century
In the 1960s, the city experienced a great development thanks to the opening of many factories, the highway, and tourism. This led to an unprecedented building and demographic boom, making the area the richest in the province with a strong demand for employment.
The city also has a rich artistic and cultural history, thanks to the presence of historical monuments and precious architectures, such as the Palace of Boniface VIII, the cathedral with its splendid crypt, and numerous Romanesque churches and bell towers. Anagni is also known as the “City of the Popes” for having given birth to four popes: Innocent III, Alexander IV, Gregory IX, and Boniface VIII.