Rocca Montis Dragonis
Mondragone
Hidden gemCastles
The story
On Monte Petrino, a ruined medieval stronghold with square and round towers, from which the eye runs from Ischia to the headland of Circeo.
Access
footpath
The story
The Rocca Montis Dragonis is a medieval fortress that rises on Monte Petrino, above Mondragone, built on an older Iron Age village attributed to the Aurunci — here, according to tradition, the survivors of the ancient Roman colony of Sinuessa also took refuge. Its towers, square and circular, tell of different phases; the last great modification dates to the Aragonese period, between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
What to see
The fortress dominates the plain and the coastline from above, with the towers and the remains of the fortified palace: the climb is repaid by a very wide panorama over the gulf. It is a site that weaves together the Iron Age, Roman memory and medieval architecture.
Tips
It is reached by climbing Monte Petrino above Mondragone: reckon on it as a small excursion, with suitable shoes. The panorama over the coast is the reason for the climb. Check the route and the trail conditions on site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rocca Montis Dragonis?
A medieval fortress on Monte Petrino, above Mondragone, built on an Iron Age village of the Aurunci.
What can you see from the Rocca Montis Dragonis?
A wide panorama over the plain and the coastline of the gulf, from the top of Monte Petrino.
From what period is the Rocca Montis Dragonis?
Medieval, with a last great modification in the Aragonese age, between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
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