The Medieval Tower of Fontechiari: Symbol and Fortress of Lower Lazio
For about eight hundred years, the Medieval Tower dominates the town of Fontechiari (Frosinone), representing not only the symbol of the town but also one of the best preserved testimonies of the Comino Valley's defence system.
History and Origins: From the Counts of Aquino to the Boncompagni
Built over a period of time between 1247 and 1293, tower owes its birth to the powerful family of the Earls of Aquinas, particularly under the rule of Andrea II and Thomas.
At this time, the ancient settlement of Slaves (ancient name of Fontechiari) took on the appearance of a fortified village. The tower became the pivot of a reinforced city wall, an integral part of the vast system of sighting and signalling of the castles of Lower Latium. With the passing of the centuries and the passage under the rule of the Boncompagni, the structure changed its function from military to a symbol of feudal power.
Architectural Features
High 25 metres, the tower is distinguished by a design that combines majesty and elegance:
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Structure: Quadrangular base with corners reinforced by large regular ashlars.
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Materials: Made of valuable local bricks, it presents an tapered (narrowing upwards).
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Crowning: The top is decorated with 48 stone spouts that define its medieval profile.
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Openings: On the south side there are two small rectangular windows perfectly aligned.
Heraldry: The “Yellow” of Coats of Arms
The tower is a veritable stone archive. On the west side, there are important aristocratic testimonies:
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The Coat of Arms of the Counts of Aquino: In marble, in memory of the foundation.
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The Bas-relief of Cantelmo and Da Celano: Made of white stone, it shows the coats of arms of three families. It is believed that this decoration was added around the 1439, the year of the marriage between Antonio Cantelmo (Duke of Alvito) and the Duchess Antonella from Celano, who brought the county of Sora as a dowry.
Interiors and Mysteries: Justice and the Tunnels
Access to the tower is via an atmospheric external stone staircase which leads to the first floor. This room was formerly used for the’administration of justice.
In the centre of the floor, a hatch reveals the most mysterious side of the fortress:
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The room below: An environment from which two paths branch off.
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The Tunnels: The first heads towards Vicalvi, probably a military escape or communication route; the second sinks vertically into the ground, similar to a well with a cylindrical cross-section.
Today, the Medieval Tower of Fontechiari is privately owned by the Viscogliosi family, which preserves its historical value for future generations.
