Ciociaria Travel Guide: Abbeys and Towns Southeast of Rome

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Why choose Ciociaria?

Ciociaria is the southeastern part of Lazio, around Frosinone, between Rome and Campania. Few international travelers come here, yet it has some of the oldest towns in central Italy, two of its most important abbeys and a strong food tradition.

Best for: history, abbeys, small towns, food and repeat visitors. Ideal stay: a day trip from Rome for one place, 2–3 nights for the area.

Part of Lazio. Ciociaria is one of the areas of the region around Rome. Lazio travel guide →

What to do in Ciociaria

Looking for places like these across Italy? See hidden villages and towns in Italy.

Plan your Ciociaria trip

How many days?

1 day: Anagni or Montecassino from Rome. 2–3 days: Anagni, Alatri, Fiuggi and Casamari from one base. 4 days: add Arpino, Isola del Liri and Trisulti.

Where to stay?

Fiuggi has the widest choice of hotels. Alatri or Anagni suit travelers who want to sleep in a historic town, and an agriturismo, a working farm with rooms, suits the countryside.

Getting there

The A1 motorway and the Rome–Cassino railway run through the area. The hill towns and abbeys are much easier to reach by car.

When to visit?

Spring and fall are best for the towns and the countryside. Summer is hot in the valleys but cooler in the hills around Fiuggi.

Plan the rest of your trip. Ciociaria is close to Rome, yet it feels a world away. Here is how to fit it into your trip.

• castles in Lazio: five castles near Rome you can actually visit.
• day trips from Rome: which one to take and how to get there.
• villages in Italy in the fall: six hidden small towns, Montefalco included.
• 3 days in Rome: a day-by-day plan by neighborhood.

Then, for the rest of your route, see where to go in Italy on a first or second trip.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ciociaria?

Ciociaria is the area of Lazio southeast of Rome, roughly the province of Frosinone, in the valleys and hills between Rome and Campania.

What is Ciociaria known for?

Medieval hill towns such as Anagni, Alatri and Veroli, Montecassino Abbey, the Cistercian abbey of Casamari, the spa town of Fiuggi and hearty countryside food and wine.

How do you get to Ciociaria from Rome?

By car, the A1 motorway runs through the area. Regional trains on the Rome–Cassino line stop at stations such as Anagni, Frosinone and Cassino. For the hill towns, a car makes the trip much easier.

Can you visit Montecassino Abbey as a day trip from Rome?

Yes. Cassino is on the railway and the motorway from Rome, and the abbey stands on the hill above the town. Check opening times and dress rules before you go.

How many days do you need in Ciociaria?

One day covers Anagni or Montecassino. Two to three days from one base lets you add Alatri, Fiuggi, Casamari and the smaller towns.