ITRI

"Commune decorated with Bronze Medals for Civil Bravery"

Introduction

Frà Diavolo

Sanctuary of theCivita

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FOTO

ITRI-The Castle 

 Origins the coat arms /Campello/The Castle/The Church of St.Michele A./Church of St.Maria M./The Convent of St.Martino/The Monastery of St.Francesco/Fondi/Monastery of Passionist Priests/The Fort of St.Andrew/Calvi/The Monti Aurunci Park/The economical development/Traditions/The Promotional Office/Associations/Famouse people.

ORIGINS·   The Vatican City

·  The Maggiore Gallery – Fresco  

·   Geographical detail of Idro (Itri) CMXIII A.D.

Itri is situated at 170 m. above sea level and its population is a little more than 9000. It’s territory extends for 101,15 sq. km. Itri, a country town of the southern pontino, has two distinct built-up living areas that are divided in two by the Appia highway n°7. It lies 134 km. away from Rome and 91 km. from Naples. Itri dates back to a prehistoric age. It was part of the aurunci- ausoni, and later passed under Roman domination. Even though it did not have a real living nucleus, it must certainly have been a postal station due to its position between Fondi and Formia, and having the St. Donato pass, it must have been arduous for horses and travellers to transit it in order to reach Itri an the southern part of the peninsular.

The origins of its name are quite uncertain. Historians and scholars of native land history refer to various theories. Some believe that its name derives from ITER; the presence of an inscription on a block of stone found on the left hand side of Porta Mamurra confirms this thesis. Others are inclined  towards a more effective thesis, that of the presence of a rampant snake on Porta Mamurra. According to this thesis the inhabitants of Amiclae, fled from their land to seek refuge from an invasion of snakes and so these were the real founders of Itri. 

      

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  The Coat of Arms seen on the Municipal Gonfalon has the illustration of a serpent, as if it were to support this thesis.Itri is found in the centre of a valley surrounded by the Aurunci Mounts, which protect it from the cold winds coming from the Abruzzo Apennines. Its climate is mild during the winters and cool and healthy during the summer.The historical centre is found in the upper part of Itri and it can be reached both on foot and by car. Narrow streets, steps and arches, which alternate between a house and another, run it. In the past few years, Itri has had a considerable tourist development. Old houses have been redecorated; ruins of the past war have been rebuilt, so eliminating degradation. All this has given the historical centre new vitality and liveliness hovering with visitors discovering monuments and charming spots.

   CAMPELLO, has become an area of naturalistic interest, it was where the first human settlement came to being in the territory of Itri, and must have been quite solid in 1176 seeing that the Baron Raulle de Carta sent five of his men to the crusade in Palestine. It is still possible to see remains of houses and wells on the upland plain. It once belonged to the county of Fondi. In 1269 in a “cedula de focularibus que invenietur diminuta” between the lands and areas subject to paying a tax for fires, Campello results to be registered for 8 ounces and 7 ½  tarì , i.e. for 33 fires, meaning about 200 people. The territory was definitely abandoned in the second half of 400 A.D., probably due to the reduced number of inhabitants and unfavourable climatic conditions.

    

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 The Castle is the symbol of Itri, and is in this moment under restoration and works of consolidation on the parts, which were damaged during the naval air raid in 1944. The first nucleus, (tower with surrounding wall and battlements) of the castle was built back in 882 A.D. by Docibile I, the “Ipato” (consul) of Gaeta, subsequently a second tower (square) was built by the nephew of  Docibile I, called  Duke Marino I of Gaeta. It belonged to the dukedom of Gaeta until 1073, and it later passed to the Dell’Aquila, a rich family from Fondi in about 1140 A.D…..

Today the castle is of Municipal property, it was bought from the last owner, Dr. Francesco Saverio Ialongo for a very symbolical price, he was the great-grandson of Mr. D.Ernesto Jallonghi (1876-1934) who among other things was the author of the works “La Madonna della Civita e il suo Santuario” and “Fra Diavolo (colonello Michele Pezza) nella storia e nell’arte”. Both books were re-published, and were edited in an antistatic copy by the scholar of native history, Mr. Alfredo Saccoccio. The manor house is, at the moment, undergoing works of consolidation and restoration to re-build the parts that were damaged during the naval air raid in 1944. The projecting of the work to be done for “structures and consolidation” has started since 1992. The architects are Mr. Coco, Mr. Docci and Mr. Miarelli Mariani , and the engineer is Mr. Ciserà. The financial support of 4,8 billion Italian liras has terminated and the architect Mr. Coco has asked a further financial fund of 2,5 billion Italian liras for the continuation of works. This second phase foresees the reconstruction of the floors, the central heating system, the lifts and the remaking of the external walls. A third phase should be done for the same sum of money as was necessary for the reconstruction of the dungeon and the watchtower.

   Hopefully, the total rebuilding of the castle will bring it to an appropriate use because it is what the historical centre and the people of Itri expect, in particular the cultural associations who hope to carry out interesting cultural activities there. The Italian Post Office Group has positively contributed in making a name for the castle through the issue of a post card. An important philatelic exhibition and congress were held by the municipality on the 26^th December 1995, where, the president of the Post Office Corporation, Mr. Enzo Cardi, was one of the important guest-speakers along with other authoritative men of culture. The Mayor, Mr.Egidio Agresti, in giving his greetings and talking about the castle and its history, wished a further financial interest be given in order to continue and finish the works for the complete restoration of the castle. Works that at the time of this congress had already reached a good point.

     Often one reads “Fra Diavolo’s castle”, but it seems rather daring to associate the local hero with the castle. However, many tourists who come to visit the historical centre (especially during the summer-time) stroll through charming narrow streets and arches, fascinated, but at the same time frightened in admiring from such a short distance the impressiveness of the castle, and asking information about the character, often confused between legend and history, nick-named Fra Diavolo, known as Michele Pezza during his century. With a great deal of fantasy, one can imagine him walking through those streets where he grew up, the great guerrilla who got caught by the French troops during their occupation in the Reign of Naples. However, I shall talk about him later on in my script in further detail.

The Church of St.Michele Arcangelo is considhttp://ered the most antique in Itri. It dates back to the XI century and the bell tower and part of the roof are the only original parts left. It is a rare example of Arab Norman holy art and it is tied by a single body to the collegiate which is made up of three aisles, a large central nave and two smaller side aisles. The construction is of square shape 20m. high and divided into four orders finishing into a spire. On the left hand side of the central nave can be seen the choir, a fresco of the XV th century, which is a tempera painting on board portraying a “Madonna with child”, and a finely decorated marble stoup. These are among the most symbolic works that can be admired within the church, as well as, naturally, the features of the bell tower and wonderful round majolica plates. Below the arches of the three mullioned window there is the bell tower cellar, which creates a multi coloured effect contrasting with the colour of the stone and bricks that surround the window.  

  The church of St. Maria Maggiore, which was hit during the last world war, was practically destroyed. The bell tower was saved, even if it was damaged in various parts, from the naval air raid of 1944, (that destroyed 75% of Itri). The external walls of the imposing construction were left standing.  

 The bell tower built in 200 A.D. was brought back to its original ancient beauty, thanks to the head of the Environmental and Architectural Welfare of Latium. It is particularly characteristic for its multi coloured decoration of the dome, which is of Byzantine taste and origin. Travellers who come form Formia can admire the bell tower by night and see the expert play of lights that surround its beauty.

 This itinerary of upper Itri continues with a few words about the Convent of St.Martino. As already said, it was destroyed in 1944 and later re-constructed and it is now run by the Alcantarine Nuns. On the 23^rd October 1977, on the occasion of the deposition of the banner of the Madonna of the Civita, which since the month of March had been hoisted in Piazza Incoronazione in memory of the bi-centenary, Monsignor Luigi Maria Carli, archbishop of Gaeta, inaugurated the “Rest Home for the Old”, entitled to Holy Mary of the Civita.In ancient times it was situated outside the walls on the hill of St. Martino in Pagano, and had been abandoned due to the reduced number of nuns present, it was then re-built within the walls. Some authors determine that the old convent was a place where the Saracen Corsair Khair ed Din, so called Red beard, irrupted to find the Countess Giulia Gonzaga; she had escaped the night between the 8^th and the 9^th of August 1534. He wanted to abduct the lady, who was known as on of the rare beauties of those times, in order to bring her as a gift to the Magnificent Solimano II. Giulia fled, and her town Fondi was looted, its inhabitants were decimated and the town was put on fire. Amongst the few survivors some were taken to the orient as slaves. The day before the same thing had happened to the nearby town of Sperlonga.

Giulia Gonzaga 

 The missed attempt to capture Lady Giulia, brought the Saracens to massacre the Benedictine nuns. The author Mr. B.Amante, in his book Giulia Gonzaga, Countess of Fondi (Zanichelli edition – anastatic copy) points out instead, that the place where the massacre occurred was in “the nun’s convent, a few kilometres away from the town of Fondi, on top of a hill along the new Appia road, which from Fondi brings to Naples…was put on fire……….”. Mr. Amante precises that he had excavations carried out on that site and they found skulls that probably belonged to the victims.The Turks had tried to reserve the same fate for Itri, but the people of Itri did not make themselves be taken by surprise and hiding behind the castle walls, bravely resisted the enemy, in a way that Red Beard had to desist and having subsequently sailed off for Tunisi, by pure chance, avoided encountering an army of 5 to 6 thousand men, set up in a great hurry by Pope Clementine VIIth, the command of which had been assigned to the Cardinal Ippolito de Medici.

    The Monastery of St.Francesco, founded in 1324 and is situated in the lower part of the town, in the past it had some importance when in 1487 the Count Onorato II Caetani of Fondi lived there. Chronicles of the time made it however famous for the death of the Cardinal Ippolito dei Medici, which occurred on the 10^th August 1435, who was about to leave for Tunisi to reach Carlo V. They say that he was poisoned. Ippolito had participated in a shooting party, tournaments and various other entertainments in Fondi at Giulia Gonzaga’s Court, woman for whom he nourished “deep sentiments”, so profound that in June 1532 he engaged the famous painter of those times, Mr. Sebastiano del Piombo, to portray the beautiful noblewoman, who had also been immortalized by Tiziano, by Branzino and other famous painters. His apparent illness was caused by malaria and his house steward Mr. G.Andrea da Borgo did the rest by poisoning him. Lady Giulia, who was immediately informed, went to Itri where she nursed him until he died, “his death was less arduous being near his Lady Giulia, who gave him virtuous attention,” so writes Mr. Giovio who was present to the scene.As one can see, these historical events were common to both Itri and Fondi, and it could not have been but so, Itri being part of Fondi’s feud, which thanks to the presence of Lady Giulia, became for about a decade the meeting place for artists and men of letters of the times. The famous musician Mr. Ariosto dedicated to the beautiful lady an octave of his famous “Orlando Furioso”. Four months after the Cardinal’s death the Countess Gonzaga retired to the convent adjacent to the church of St.Francesco of the Neapolitan Nuns, where she died on the 19^th April 1566.

 Fondi – A brief mention must go to this town, which lies only 13 km. from Itri, two towns that in the past were divided by haughty parochialism. It is a two thousand year history that starts at the beginning of time. According to a legend, Ercole founded Fondi after the killing of Caco (half a century before the War of Troia). There are churches that date back to the XIVth century, megalithic monuments and walls (213 – 250 A.D.), and a restored castle (XIII – XIV century), which is now a centre of cultural initiatives. Going back in time one can recall characters such as: Livia Drusilla (Livia Augusta) born in 58 A.D. mother of Tiberio, the future Roman Emperor; in 38 A.D. she divorced from T.C.Nerone and re-married to Cesare Augusto. Thus one can think of Fondi as a bit of the Roman Empire. Vitruvio Vacca was born here and in 329 A.D. attacked Rome and held it in check for a year.  Fondi reputes some archbishops and even a Pope named S. Sotero (166 – 175 A.D.). Onorato I Caetani, gentleman of Fondi, marked history, on the 20^th September 1378. Being a supporter of the filo-French Cardinals, crowned a Swiss man as antipope, his name was Roberto di Genevra, and was given the name of Clemente VII, who held his papacy for eight months. In this period the historical paths of Itri and Fondi cross once again. The above mentioned crowning was a sign of revolt on behalf of Onorato I, and it gave life to the Great Schism of the west, all this was done to oppose the legitimate Pope, Urbano VI, a certain Bartolomeo Prignano from Itri. On the other hand, Onorato II Caetani produced a number of monuments along with artistic buildings and works of art. Fondi was also an Episcopal seat (first mention dates back to 236 A.D.) until 1818, when it was suspended due to the pact of Terracina. Amongst the historians, mention must go to Mr. Giovanni Conte Colino, Mr. Enrico and Mr. Bruto Amante and Monsignor M. Forte, who passed away recently, and was one of the last historiographers of Fondi. Other prominent characters like the poet Mr. Libero de Libero, the painter Mr. Domenico Purificato, distinguished the twentieth century, along with photo directors like Mr. Pasqualino De Santis and Peppino Rotunno, and last but by no means least, Mr. Giuseppe De Santis, who was considered by critics as a past-master of the Italian Neorealism (famous film: Riso Amaro), he received the golden lion award to his career. These were only five representatives of the world of culture and art belonging to Fondi. Economically speaking, Fondi is the seat of one of the most important European Food and Agricultural markets, being considered the main engine of the local economy. For years now, tourism is being closely studied as another activity, which could be economically and productively developed; it has a 15km. coastline to be improved, as well as its lake that could bring social welfare and development. Here I must stop now, because I was speaking about Itri, but being a native of Fondi I could not help giving a brief mention, not sufficiently illustrated, about my hometown, which I invite you all to visit, and even here, reading matter can be abundantly bought, before of after having visited Itri, as you please.

   The Monastery of the Passionist Priests with annexed church of St. Maria di Loreto, can be seen on a hillock, which has at this point become part of the post-war urban development. However in March 1574 it was in and isolated position when the Cappuccini Fathers took its possession and kept it until 1897, at first as their own property and later in perpetual lease after the confiscation of the churches’ properties. Since the beginning this area has been called “Cappuccini”.    The coming of the Passionist Priests dated back to the 30^th March 1943, day on which the act with the Commune of Itri was written and signed, it granted the convent, ed Cappuccini, to the Passionists. The Senator Mr. Pietro Fedele, who had married in Itri with Dona Tecla De Fabritiis, induced the works of re-construction, which had already started in November 1941 and had continued until termination after the war. Today it has become destination for many faithful and other visitors. In the church of St. Maria di Loreto is kept, amongst other works, a painting of the founder of the Passionists of St. Paolo della Croce, it is said to have been painted by Sebastiano Conca (1676-1764).

    The church of St. Cristoforo, (remains) was founded on the 19^th May 1348, it was placed on a hillock behind Itri and can be reached across a mule-track. The church has no roof, but the frescos inside are still in a good state of condition, thanks to their covered position within the surroundings. Entering Itri one can see the church of S.M. delle Grazie; in the centre of the town there is the church ex Anunziata today called St.Maria Maggiore. Information takes us back to a legacy left by Onorato I Caetani, dated 1363. The entrance of the church has a three span portico and three doorways lead in to a three aisled church. During the past centuries it underwent various collapses and thus continuous restoration, even after the last war.

The Fort of St. Andrea, is situated on the boundary between Fondi and Itri, it is close to the ancient Via Appia track. It was erected upon the ruins of a platform belonging to a villa dating back to the Republican era (100 – 60 B.C.), the precise date of its construction is uncertain. However what is datable (XVIII century) are the parts of the structure used by Fra’ Diavolo to stop the French in 1798, before they occupied the Reign of Naples. Shortly, the structure will receive a new uplift due to the works of restoration that regard part of the ancient track of the Via Appia. These works started a while ago thanks to the Archaeological Superintendent of the Latium Region, and continue both under an archaeological and environmental aspect to restore the St. Andrea track and the ancient stone paving. The works include the revival of the road border wall, which collapsed in the Bourbon period, and a number of cisterns and roman structures that had been placed over others of the Bourbon period. This is what the Prof. Lorenzo Quilici, précised during a meeting with local authorities, technicians and the Republic Attorney of Latina, Dr. Gagliardi, during his visit to the Commune and to the monuments of Itri.

 “Archaeological evidence in the Calvi Area of Itri” is the title of an interesting script written by Dr.Marisa de’Spagnolis, archaeologist, born in Itri, describing “of great interest is the archaeological situation in the territory of Itri in the area so called Calvi in the direction of Sperlonga. It is an ancient road path, which leaves off from the S. Marco road and continues in the direction of Sperllonga, upheld by redone constructions during the course of the centuries. This road is 4m. wide and presents traces of located paving stone slabs, many edges of which have been up rooted. This road was less frequently used after the creation of the modern carriageway Itri-Sperlonga, which reached the small town situated in sinus Amjclanus, with a shorter route than the modern road, it touches the Corano , Vagnoli and Magliana localities. Along this track there are a number of archaeological evidences aligned and attest that the area was frequented from the Republican age to the beginning of the imperial age.”                                                   

         The “Museo del Brigantaggio” is in a phase of preparation and will be placed in the Ex ONMI building perfectly redecorated. The works are directed by the architect Mr. Brasiliano for the structure, while Prof. Padigione, lecturer at the University Sapienza of Rome, is in charge of the setting up of the museum. Its opening is foreseen for the summer 2002, and I shall report news about the inauguration.

 At about twenty minutes from Itri it is possible to go on a hike of great interest. Following the SS.82 Valle del Liri road (which was made build by Ferdinando II, king of Naples) shortly after the crossroad that takes to the SANCTUARY of the MADONNA of the CIVITA, it is possible to take the first turning on the right, in the proximity of the St. Nicola gorge, a tarred road that takes to the Marciano locality and so reach the first fountain called Tozzo, then pass over the Forcella di CAMPELLO (843m.) and then reach the plateaux (1000m.) so called, of Campello and old Campello by walking along side the woods of the costa della tavola  between Mount Viola and Mount Ferrazzano. The territory of great naturalistic interest has recently been incorporated into the Natural Park of the Monti Aurunci.  This is an organization made up by the territories of the provinces of Frosinone and Latina and by four Mountain Communities (XVI, XVII, XIX, XXII). It is the most southern park of the protected Latium areas. The limestone composition of the rocks is cause of the absence of watercourses. The park was created in 1997 and extends for 19.374 hectares, its headquarters are in Campodimele (Lt.) in the Taverna town district. For further information about the Park, through a link found in the introduction, one can go straight to the official website of the local authorities. Campello is a protected area full of woods made of age old Holm oaks, Elms, Beeches and Hornbeam trees. It is not rare to see the Peregrine falcon in flight, and scattered here and there shoots of Plantanthera chlorantha, the colourless orchid that is a character of its species, and one of the 50 varieties that botanists have been able to locate in the park territory. The undergrowth is covered with typical Mediterranean bush, broom and a populating of Ampelodesma (straw) used in ancient times to produce hemp and horsehair. Today it is worked and transformed into objects of various kinds for the joy and interest of tourists, who come to Itri during the summer while on holiday on the Tyrrhenian coast to enjoy the cool climate in the evening hours in search of monuments, typical cooking and local craftsman products.

Murat Fountain 1944 

     More than once, in referring to the last world war, I have pointed out the bad conditions of monuments historical places that underwent violent bombings, and what more, the sacrifice of human lives that Itri had to sustain. 133 citizens were missing from the local community after various air raids, device explosions and other mournful events. 152 were the men of Itri who died in war actions across the country, five silver medals were given for military valour, five bronze ones and various war crosses to testify their value. The commune of Itri was decorated with a bronze medal for civil value and the declaration of a disaster area commune prove how devastating were the happenings both to men and things. However, the great commitment of political forces and citizens gave a strong impulse to the realization of small industries and craftwork. The building industry had a remarkable development both in the urban outskirts as well a in the Itri districts where houses are used as a second residence for weekends. Agriculture has always been considered as one of the principal activities for the local economy, and the developments of new methodologies and technologies have made it possible to improve the production and the transformation of the typical product of Itri i.e. “oliva Itrana”.

The transformation of the olives so called “Itrana”, picked in the months of March and April in a stage of complete ripening of the fruit, is the origin of the typical production of the Latium Region called “Oliva di Gaeta”. The method of transformation is distinguished by natural brine and a spontaneous fermentation with the only addition of sea salt. The preparation of this typical food product that belongs to the agricultural economy of the province of Latina, plays a fundamental role for Itri. It is here that during the passing of centuries the cultivation of olives has found a wide possibility of diffusion. A high specialization, strong cultural traditions and historical roots are the components that characterize first the cultivation and then the production. The production is not only limited to brine olives, but there is also a cold system of crushing olives with the resulting product of a genuine olive oil, totally characteristic. In the year 2000 the Unigrai associated cultivators in collaboration with the Latium Region carried out a study survey in order to give new value and definition to the ITRI TABLE OLIVE denominated “OLIVA DI GAETA” reg.CEE n°2081-Docup obbiettivo 5B. The results were published in June 2000, and pointed out the quality of the fruit, the well-used technology systems and the fulfilment of the aims that the Coop Union of Itri Farmers had pursued since its foundation 50 years ago. The association has about 550 members who represent 50% of the olive farmers resident over a surface of the olive-grooves that had been censured. The results, due to professionally specialized technicians; testing laboratories, workmen and working processes of the “Coop”, sustained by the local territorial authorities, the Municipality being the first, all tend to give high value to the typical local product, which reaches not only the Italian tables but also goes abroad with the name of “OLIVA DI GAETA”

  Amongst the various happenings during the year, which characterize the social life of the people of Itri, some are felt in a very particular way. The festivity that most unites the local community is the feast of the “Madonna della Civita”, this religious feast, which I shall talk about in further detail elsewhere, is celebrated with intense sentiment by the whole population. The important festivities are “Fuochi di S.Giuseppe”( St.Joseph’s bonfires) and the “Infiorata”. The later has reached its sixteenth edition.

I FUOCHI DI S. GIUSEPPE (ST.JOSEPH’S BONFIRES) - Unlike other manifestations “the bonfires” represent a different moment for the community. Shortly before the 19^th March, a certain “frenzy” infects young and old. In each district, the organizing and collecting of boughs and branches to burn that evening, and the preparing of typical dishes on behalf of the women becomes a busy event. The highlight of the evening is certainly the presence of doughnuts. An ancient recipe handed down from mother to daughter, becomes the joy of all those who participate to the lighting of the fires that start in the early evening. The local administration handles the whole situation with responsibility. In order to defend the nature of the territory they distribute wood, which is cut by the municipal workers in a sensible way. A situation that is hard to accept is the fact that with the passing of time the abundance of wood of past centuries has become only a mere reminiscence. During the summer thanks to the foolishness of some “thoughtless” whose annual aim is that of setting on fire the woods, fires, which have become just as famous as those of St. Joseph, and the effort of the State Corps of Forests, present in Itri, is of no use, unfortunately volunteers and teams of firemen constantly do all they can to protect the woodlands during the whole period. Well, let’s go back to what we were talking about, the “bonfires” that have become over the decades a meeting between local people and many “foreigners” who have made of this appointment a moment of pleasure. The local administration has highlighted the festivity not only with economical incentives, but they have supported the happening with a series of conventions where scholars of this subject have participated, amongst these are the Professor A.Cattabiani, the Prof. C. Fiore, Dr. Ridolfi and many more. For those of you who read this script and do not live too far from Itri, an invitation is open to you all, especially to those who have never participated, I am sure you will be certainly fascinated by the many fires that light the night of St. Joseph. Maybe the charm created by the moment, will bring you, also on other occasions, to visit places and monuments of this town.

 Through the commitment of some concerned people, came to being the Pro-Loco, from which arose a series of manifestations that have become part of the culture and folklore of Itri. Amongst the most important are the carnival of Itri, the olive festival and the forming of the Town polyphonic choir, which is expertly directed by the music Master Mr. Sergio Preti, and has held concerts in various towns of the Latium region and also in Dachau and Landshut in Germany during the month of June 1994.

This show was born through the idea of some inhabitants in Via della Repubblica in Itri, and it has continuously contributed in giving always more importance to the Pro-Loco. It has been a growing success through the years bringing always more and more visitors to Itri.  It was a typical ancient gesture of the devotion of the faithful to spread flower petals of every type upon the passing of the Corpus Domini procession. The artists of Itri and of nearby towns along with the organizers have transformed that gesture, during the course of sixteen editions, into wonderful pictures both in form and harmoniousness with its delicate colourings. As a highlight to this manifestation, the Italian Post have for years been present with their special cancellation for the philatelic lovers.

Bartolomeo Prignano, the archbishop of Bari was elected in 1378 with the name of Urbano VI.

G. Battista Manzi (1831 – 1912), priest and mathematician. Teacher and Superiorat of the Alberoni College of Piacenza, member of various academies. 

Nicola Judicone (1806 – 1880) teacher of law in Naples intimate friend of Francesco De Santis, who defined him in a note, addressed to Edoardo Pandola “a rare man”,” an excellent teacher”. 

Raffaele Gigante (1816 – 1896), patriot, member of the National Parliament from 1865 to 1874, in the IX, X and XI legislation he represented Gaeta, and that of Agnone in the XII, with an active participation to parliamentary works. 

Paolo (Scipione) Burali d’Arezzo (1512 – 1578), was a brilliant lawyer in Naples; at the age of 46 he entered the Teatini order. He refused the assignment of the bishop’s palace both in Brindisi and Crotone that had been offered to him by the King of Spain, Philip II, but had to give obedience to the Pope S. Pio V, who named him Bishop of Piacenza, then Cardinal. He was a friend of S. Carlo Borromeo, who sustained his candidature as Sovereign Pontiff in the conclave after the death of Pio V, from which resulted elected the Cardinal Buoncompagni (Gregorio XIII) reformer of the calendar. The cardinal Burali against the reform, was named in 1576, Archbishop of Naples and died only two years later. On the 8^th June 1772, Pope Clemente XIV, crowned him with the aureole of the blessed and praised him to the honours of altars. 

Monsignor Ernesto Jallonghi (1876 – 1934) religious man and writer who dedicated to his land works that are the base of Itri’s history, the Madonna of the Civita and her Sanctuary and the biography of Fra’Diavolo, as well as Bourbons and French at Montecassino. There are many other scripts amongst which  La religiosità del Carducci and Il misticismo dantesco, works which were later taken care of by P. Scaramuzzi. He died at the age of 58 in Rome and was buried in the central chapel in the cemetery of Itri.Noteworthy characters gave an important contribute to the Italian Risorgimento, amongst these are Mr. D.Michele Manzi, passionate revolutionary and friend of Gioberti and Mazzini; Gennaro Bonelli Nicola Judicone and Raffaele Gigante, with whom he was imprisoned for patriotic activities. 

Giovanni Burali d’Arezzo, nobleman, lawyer, knight of the order of Malta, vice mayor of Naples and died on 27^th May 1894.

Michele Pezza better known as Fra’ Diavolo of whom I have given a historical account elsewhere.

However, in Itri one can find scripts by various authors for better and more fully accounted details about places and people. (Go to the page news).