Frosinone (province) Travel Guide

Planning to visit Frosinone (province)? This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know, from where to stay to what to do, see and eat.


Are you planning a trip to Central Italy and interested in exploring the off-beat paths? Consider visiting Frosinone (province), an underrated destination in Lazio. Located between Rome and Naples, Frosinone is easily accessible by public transportation and offers breathtaking views of the Apennine Mountains. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the must-visit destinations, outdoor activities, local cuisine, and cultural sightings in Frosinone.

Introduction to Frosinone (province)

Frosinone is a province in Lazio, southern Italy. The province is bordered by the provinces of Rome, Latina, Caserta, and Isernia. It covers an area of 3,240.84 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 500,000 people.

Frosinone is a hidden gem, frequented only by locals, so it boasts of authentic Italian traditions and culture. It is home to many small towns and villages, medieval castles, and ancient ruins, which are scattered around the countryside. The region is rich in history with traces of Etruscan civilization dating back to the 8th century BC.

List of Places to Visit in Frosinone (province)

Here are the top places to visit in Frosinone that should be on your travel list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pompey’s Theatre - This archaeological site is located in the oldest part of the town of Ferentino, dating back to 150 BC. It is a well-preserved Roman theatre with a seating capacity of over 5,000.
  • National Archaeological Museum of Fregellae - The museum is located in Arce and exhibits archaeological artifacts from the ancient Roman town of Fregellae.
  • Abbazia di Casamari - It is a well-preserved Cistercian monastery complex which dates back to the 11th century.
  • Anagni Cathedral - This cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annuziata, a Romanesque-style church rich with medieval art and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Frosinone (province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise - This park is a nature lovers’ paradise characterized by beautiful mountains, forests, and wildlife species like brown bears, wolves, and deer.
  • Lake Fibreno - A natural reserve, Lake Fibreno is in the province of Frosinone and has been designated as a Site of Community Importance.
  • Giardino di Ninfa - Located near the town of Cisterna di Latina, this botanical garden is known for having one of the most beautiful English-style gardens in Italy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Frosinone (province)

Frosinone offers several hiking and biking trails for adventure enthusiasts. The Abruzzo National Park alone has over thirty trails, varying in difficulty level and length. Additionally, the Apennine Mountains in Frosinone’s eastern part has some of the most popular trails for hikers. Monte Scalambra trail, in Esperia town, is a highly recommended trail due to its stunning views of the sea. Biking trails offer scenic landscapes and include cobbled streets that lead to castles on the tops of hills, making it ideal for a leisurely ride.

Best Things to Do in Frosinone (province): Activities and Tours

Apart from the natural scenery and cultural attractions, Frosinone has a host of activities and tours that are enjoyable for all age groups.

  • Cooking Classes: How about learning to make Italian cuisine from locals? Here in Frosinone, you can learn to make traditional dishes like pasta, gnocchi, and tiramisu in a hands-on cooking experience.
  • Wine Tasting Tours: Frosinone province boasts of vineyards producing some of the finest wines in Italy, including Cesanese del Piglio and Cannellino del Lazio. Book a wine tasting tour and sip on some of Italy’s best wines.
  • Olive Oil Tour: Olive oil tours give you a chance to learn how olive oil is made, understand the difference in flavors from different regions, and partake in tasting sessions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Frosinone (province)

A week will give you enough time to see most of the attractions around Frosinone at a relaxed pace. Here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Destination
1. Visit Ferentino’s Pompey’s Theatre and National Archaeological Museum of Fregellae.
2. Explore the beautiful Abbey of Casamari and medieval town of Anagni Cathedral.
3. Experience the nature trails and scenic landscapes of the Abruzzo National Park.
4. Tour the Giardino di Ninfa and stroll through medieval town Cisterna di Latina.
5. Take a day to visit the Lake of Fibreno and picnic by the lakeside.
6. Participate in a cooking class or spend the day exploring the vineyards and wineries in the area.
7. Visit a museum to learn about the history of the area, and spend the night in one of the many small towns.

Food and Drink Scene of Frosinone (province)

No Italian trip is complete without indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. Frosinone’s cuisine is characterized by fresh local produce, artisan cheeses, cured meats, and olive oil.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pizza e fileja pasta - A traditional dish of Frosinone made with a local flat pasta and served with spicy tomato sauce, without cheese.
  2. Baccalà alla Ciociara - Codfish cooked with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic, Ciociara-style.
  3. Castagne e Porcini - Chestnuts and Porcini mushrooms are seasonal delights, usually served as risottos, with pasta or roasted with potatoes.

Local Beverages

Thee area has excellent vineyards producing DOC certified Cesanese del Piglio, Cannellino del Lazio, and Passerina wines. Olive oil from the region is also excellent in taste and available throughout the province.

Where to Stay in Frosinone (province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Frosinone provides an array of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels. Small towns also offer a wide range of unique stays, like historical guesthouses and local bed and breakfasts.

What to Buy in Frosinone (province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

While you can buy mementos like postcards and magnets with local landmarks at souvenir shops, some locally handcrafted items are worth purchasing, such as the handmade lace textiles from Anagni and Swabian Norman ceramic pottery from Ferro di Cavallo.

Local Culture and Customs of Frosinone (province)

The locals in Frosinone are warm and welcoming. Expect to be greeted with charming “Buongiorno” greetings from passersby. Native customs and traditions vary among small towns, but most events are in some way related to the church calendar. Traveling during the local festivals will guarantee an increase in events like medieval parades, theater performances, music, and religious processions.

Best Time to Visit Frosinone (province)

The best time to visit Frosinone is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), with milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer months (July to August) tend to be hotter, crowded, and pricier, so it’s best to avoid them. Winter months can get chilly, but it’s an excellent time to explore the indoor museums and galleries.

Do’s and Don’ts of Frosinone (province)

Do:

  • Learn some Italian phrases, especially greetings like Buongiorno (good morning), Buonasera (good evening), and Grazie (thank you) to show respect.
  • Dress modestly, especially if visiting churches and monasteries, no shorts or sleeveless tops.
  • Observe traditional customs associated with the church calendar while attending local festivals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public spaces.
  • Don’t jaywalk or cross the street without proper pedestrian crossing.
  • Don’t wear shoes inside Italian homes or guesthouses.

Safety and Health

Safety in Frosinone (province)

Frosinone is a very safe place to visit. Crime rates are very low, and locals are friendly and helpful. However, it is advisable to take the usual precautions, like guarding your valuables, being careful in crowded areas, and using common sense.

Health in Frosinone (province)

Frosinone has excellent medical facilities, and health insurance is highly recommended. It is advisable to carry a first-aid kit and all necessary medications as they may not be readily available in smaller towns. Additionally, it is essential to take tick-bite preventive measures while hiking through forested areas in the region.

Getting to Frosinone (province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Frosinone is located 82km from Rome, making it easily accessible by public transit.

Airports Near Frosinone (province)

The closest major airports to Frosinone are Rome–Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) and Rome–Ciampino International Airport (CIA).

Bus Stations Near Frosinone (province)

The province of Frosinone is well-connected through inter-city buses. The major bus terminal in the region is Ferentino, connected to Rome by a high-frequency service.

Other Options

Trains run daily from Rome to Frosinone, and the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How to Get Around in Frosinone (province)

A network of buses connects the entire province of Frosinone, and the primary mode of transportation in small towns is walking. Additionally, taxis and car rentals are other options for travel within the province.

Where to Go Next from Frosinone (province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Frosinone province is located in the heart of Italy and connected to many popular tourist destinations. Here are some recommended nearby destinations:

  • Rome - The capital city is easily accessible from Frosinone and is only a one-hour train ride away.
  • Naples - Famous for its architecture, pizza, and museums, Napoli is only a two-hour drive from Frosinone.
  • Abbey of Montecassino - A historic Benedictine monastery with a museum located 60km from Frosinone.

Conclusion

Frosinone province packs a lot of charm and is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic Italian experience with a mix of history, culture, nature, food, and wine. We hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your Frosinone adventure and discover unknown gems in Central Italy.



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