L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 32 L'Italo-Americano and the surrounding land- scape. Wandering through Sperlonga today visitors can't help being charmed by its labyrinthine streets, white- washed houses, and colorful bougainvillea: indeed, the town's historic center is a delight to explore. If you are more of a beach bunny, there's something for you, too: Sperlonga's beaches are among the finest in the region, with soft sand and clear, turquoise waters. The most popular is the Spiag- g i a d i P o n e n t e , a w i d e expanse of sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming. For those seeking a quieter experience, the Spiaggia d e l l e B a m b o l e a n d t h e S p i a g g i a d e l l ' A n g o l o offer more secluded spots to relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty. A f t e r a d a y o f c u l t u r a l These sculptures, discovered in the 1950s, are now housed in the Sperlonga Archaeo- logical Museum, which developed near the grotto itself. Tiberius villa remains one of the most significant archaeological sites in the area. Sperlonga also has a rich medieval history. The town was fortified in the Middle Ages, and remnants of the ancient walls can still be seen today. The Church of Santa Maria, with its beautiful fres- coes, and the Church of San Rocco, built in the 15th cen- tury are also worth a visit. But one of Sperlonga's most i c o n i c l a n d m a r k s i s t h e Torre Truglia, a watchtow- er that has stood sentinel over the coastline since the 16th century, and where visi- tors can enjoy panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea exploration, sunbathing and dreaming of Ulysses and his travels, you'd definitely need a good dinner: in this, too, S p e r l o n g a d o e s n ' t d i s a p - point. Fresh seafood plays a central role in the local cui- sine, and dishes like spaghet- ti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), frittura di paranza (mixed fried seafood), and zuppa di pesce (fish soup) are staples of many menus. The town's restaurants, of course, also serve traditional Italian fare, including hand- made pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. Any culinary adventure in Sperlonga wouldn't be com- plete without trying the local specialty, tiella, a savory pie filled with seafood or vegeta- bles, which is even more deli- cious if accompanied by a g o o d b o t t l e o f w i n e . Y o u could choose, perhaps, one f r o m t h e n e a r b y M o n t i Cecubi vineyards, located in the hills around Itri, where the ancient vino cecubo is produced, using grape vari- eties that date back to the R o m a n E m p i r e . O t h e r notable wines in the area are Abbuoto and Bellone, the first made with an ancient red grape, the second with a white grape known for its c r i s p a n d r e f r e s h i n g qualities. Sperlonga's cultural tradi- tions are preserved through various festivals and events held throughout the year. The Festa di San Leone, the town's patron saint, is celebrated with processions, music, and fireworks in Sep- tember, while the Sagra del Pesce, a seafood festival, b r i n g s t h e c o m m u n i t y together in a celebration of their maritime heritage. For younger generations, Sperlonga and the Riviera di Ulisse offer valuable lessons in preserving cultural her- itage and living harmonious- ly with nature. The town's emphasis on community, tra- dition, and respect for the environment are principles that should be at the heart of the new generations' civic sense. And we, as visitors, can learn from the locals' bal- anced lifestyle, which com- bines work, leisure, and a strong sense of community. Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher, is well- known for its archaeological sites and picturesque water- front. H o w e v e r S p e r l o n g a , which sits on a promontory overlooking the sea, is per- haps the most enchanting of these towns. Its name derives from the Latin speluncae, meaning "caves," and refers to the natural grottoes found a l o n g i t s c o a s t l i n e . T h e town's history dates back to a n c i e n t t i m e s , a n d i t h a s been a favored spot for relax- ation since the days of the Roman Empire; in particu- lar, it gained prominence due to Emperor Tiberius, who built a magnificent villa here, c o m p l e t e w i t h a g r o t t o adorned with statues depict- ing scenes from — yes, you guessed it! — The Odyssey, as well as beautiful mosaics. B e t w e e n R o m e a n d N a p l e s , a l o n g t h e Tyrrhenian Sea and surrounded by some of the most beautiful corners of our South, lies the town of Sperlonga. It is part of the enchanting Riviera di Ulisse, a stretch of coastline named after the legendary G r e e k h e r o U l y s s e s , o r Odysseus, as he is known in G r e e k m y t h o l o g y : w e a r e talking about an area of Italy steeped in history, myth, and natural beauty, which makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both relax- ation and a touch of ancient lore. The Riviera di Ulisse gets its name from the adventures of Ulysses as chronicled in Homer's epic, The Odyssey. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e m y t h , Ulysses' journey home from the Trojan War lasted ten years and took him all over the Mediterranean, including this part of Italy. The coast- line is believed to be the set- ting for several of his leg- endary encounters, including the one with the witch-god- dess Circe, who turned his men into swine: ancient tales of myth and magic, which are at the very heart of our cul- ture and civilization. Undeniably, this blend of myth, literature, and natural beauty has lent a magical aura to the region, drawing visitors eager to explore the landscapes behind Odysseus' adventures and also those who, much more prosaically, want to enjoy one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ital- ian coastline. The Riviera di Ulisse is characterized by its rugged c l i f f s , h i d d e n c o v e s , a n d s a n d y b e a c h e s ; t h e m a i n towns along it include Gaeta, Formia, and Sperlonga, each offering its unique charm and h i s t o r i c a l s i g n i f i c a n c e . G a e t a , with its medieval a r c h i t e c t u r e a n d l i v e l y seafront, is known for its churches and the striking M o n t a g n a S p a c c a t a , a m o u n t a i n s p l i t i n t w o . Formia, which is the burial site of Cicero, the immense Formia (above), not far from Sperlonga, is the burial site of Cicero (Photo: Freesurf69/Dreamstime). Bottom, The stretch of coastline where Sperlonga is located is known as the Riviera di Ulisse. The hero is here depicted in an ancient mosaic (Photo: Fotokon/Dreamstime) Between myth and history: Sperlonga and the Riviera di Ulisse LA VITA ITALIANA TRADITIONS HISTORY CULTURE GIULIA FRANCESCHINI

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