In San Donato

GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTRE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

This museum can be found in a wing of the sixteenth-century Convent of the Franciscans, and proposes multiple interpretations of the territory from the point of view of the environmental changes that have occurred over millions of years in the history of our planet and which are still occurring. A three-dimensional model reproduces part of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise in the scale 1:10.000: for the most curious, some devices allow you to look better "within" and "below". In addition, visitors can obtain the principal tourist information thanks to two personal computers that allow us to "virtually" scrutinize beech groves, springs, ancient villages, craft shops, markets, etc.

MUSEO DELLA CIVILTA’ CONTADINA

A museum which exhibits the rural civilisation experienced for centuries by the inhabitants of the village, with a collection of many ancient agricultural and craft tools. It offers the visitor insights, memories and emotions from the everyday life of the past.

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND

Built recently, this playground is a communal space equipped for children and is considered the most innovative of the public parks in the valley. The most amusing games – according to our young guests - are the Castle with slides, ropes, walkways and climbing towers, as well as the huts and swings. On the sides of a futuristic copper pyramid which houses a bar for patiently waiting adults, there is also a space where larger children can play: the roller skate track and a pool for water games, with bumper boats, as well as a theatre for performances by comedians, singers, musicians and puppets.

Nearby towns

ATINA

(Market day on Mondays). According to legend, this picturesque walled village overlooking the Valle di Comino was founded by the god Saturn. Rebuilt numerous times after invasions and earthquakes, it is today the cultural centre of the valley.

CIVIC MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Inside the recently restored Visocchi palace, the collection consists of archaeological findings from the territory of the Valle di Comino, with proto-Roman materials and displays showing the battles between Samnites and Romans, costumes, weapons, utensils and money.

CASSINO

(Market day on Saturdays, large second-hand market). Roman amphitheatre, baths and villa. Largely destroyed after the bombings in 1944, the town has been almost entirely rebuilt with fashionable shops, restaurants and pubs.

CASSINO ABBEY

Founded by St. Benedict in 529. Destroyed several times and rebuilt over the centuries, the abbey was razed to the ground by bombing on February 15, 1944 and rebuilt in the immediate post-war period in a style similar to that prior to the bombing. The church crypt houses the relics of the holy founder.  0776 311529

SORA

(Market day on Thursdays). Ancient city of the Volsci, later occupied by the Samnites and Romans, the river Liri flows through the centre of this picturesque town with its 16th century Church di San Baroìtolomeo and cathedral (Duomo) built on the ruins of a pagan temple. In August, numerous events are held in the old town centre with its elegant shops and restaurants.

VEROLI

CASAMARI ABBEY - The most important monument in this charming hilltop town is the Abbey of Casamari, a few kilometres from the town. Built in 1203, the abbey is one of the most important Italian Cistercian monasteries in Gothic architectural style. Inside there is a garden whose central part is occupied by the cloister. From the cloister, one can enter the church which consists of three naves. Behind the altar of the abbey, one can find the choir stalls which were built in 1940. Inside the structure there are some 12th century rooms which contain archaeological findings from the Roman era. Of great interest are: the library and museum, full of works of art. The monks of Casamari celebrate all their liturgy in Gregorian chant. 0775/282371