Atina in the Val di Comino Italy

From its elevated hilltop position Atina has a wonderful outlook over the beautiful Val di Comino and the rivers Melfa and Mollinaro that flow through the natural basin. In addition, across the valley there are panoramic scenic views of the peaks of the Monti della Meta. This mountain chain forms part of the central Appenines of Italy and is located within the protected National Park of Abruzzo. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Atina is in the province of Frosinone in the region of Lazio Italy, situated approximately midway between Rome and Naples.

The town of consists of three main areas. Firstly there is the old historic centre of the town. This is known as the Centro Storico.  In addition there is the district of Il Colle, and finally at a lower level on the valley floor of the Val di Comino is the newer area of Ponte Melfa ….. read more

History

Atina has experienced an eventful history. According to ancient myths and legend this town had links to the mythological Roman god Saturn. It was was claimed by the Samnites in 337 BC. During three violent wars the Romans battled against the Samnites until in a final confrontation the Romans took control of the area in 293 BC. As a result Atinam was incorporated into the Roman state. Consequently the town’s status was reduced to a prefecture,  which was a district strictly controlled by the government of Rome. As the town grew it developed into a colony. Cicero, the Roman orator writer and statesman frequently visited the area and spoke of Atinam as being a prosperous country town. Furthermore the renowned poet  Virgil described it as being  potens, meaning strong and powerful ….. learn more

Ciociaria

This region is also known as Ciociaria. The name is derived from an ancient rudimentary type of footware named le ciocie – a type of open sandal with a curiously shaped curved toe. Furthermore this form of footware it is thought to date way back to Etruscan times. It was typically worn by the local peasants and shepherds of the area and was strapped to the foot and calf by a criss-cross of leather straps …..  Cioce / Traditional Costume of Atina 

My maternal grandparents originated from this beautiful mountain community of Italia. They departed their beloved home town in 1911 in search of a new life in London. They settled in Little Saffron Hill in Clerkenwell’s Little Italy. This was just a stone’s throw from St Peters Italian Church ….. read more

If you share my passion about ATINA, the VAL DI COMINO and the CIOCIARIA region, or if you have family that originated from this beautiful area of Italy please feel free to Get In Touch

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