Benvenuti / Welcome to

Lenola

Lenola is a small historic town, nestling within the Aurunci and Ausoni Mountains at a height of 425 metres above sea level. It has splendid views overlooking the Plain of Fondi, and of the sea and the Pontine Islands beyond and inland views of verdant wooded hills, mountains and fertile valleys.

Between the present day towns of Lenola and Pastena can be found the remains of an ancient fortification known as Ambrifi or the Castrum de Ambris. This community was built on a hill, it is thought to be founded on the site of a Roman settlement. This was abandoned during the 1400’s possibly due to an outbreak of the plague.

During the medieval era, during the time of many Saracen invasions, a fortress and a Baronial Palace were built in the highest part of Lenola, together with tall tower which had commanding views of the surrounding territory. The town was encircled by a fortified wall into which were incorporated more towers.

In 1534 the beautiful Giulia Gonzaga, Countess of Fondi is said to have taken refuge here from the Saracen pirate Kair-ed-Din or Barbarossa, who was trying to capture her and take back for the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Lenola was situated on the border of the Papal States and the Bourbon Kingdom of Naples, and located on an ancient trading route connecting the town of Fondi with the Liri Valley.