Le Colline Pontine

Geographical area beloved since ancient times, renowned for the climate and the fertility of the land, the Pontine Hills develop on about 100 km, from north to south, in a line that runs parallel to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Featuring particular sweetness on the last part, facing the sea, creating a distinctive microclimate that has allowed a great development of agriculture and tourism.

In this rich land is cultivated olive Itrana, also known as olive of Gaeta, Trana, Grossa or Esperia. The oil Itrana is renowned since antiquity, Virgil cites it in the Aeneid, making the sailors of the Trojan hero to land here, to pick olives falling overboard.

Recently the Consortium DOP Colline Pontine for the preservation and promotion of the extra virgin olive Itrana has been created.

 

The surrounding area

Appreciated since ancient times, the coastal area of southern Lazio enjoys the fortunate position with a combination of mountain and sea, with a fresh and healthy climate, close to large cities (Rome and Naples) and a fertile land. Here senators, emperors and personalities of ancient Rome had their villas and their farms. The Gulf of Gaeta and Formia, the Pontine islands and the hinterland have developed a strong tourism component that maintains its attractiveness.

Gaeta situated on the border of the papal dominions and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was the fulcrum of countless political and military activities that still characterize the historical center. Formia, located in the middle of the Gulf, is tied to the legend of Ulysses, who landed here and collided with Lestrigoni, giant cannibals from which only he and his boat escaped. It was conquered by the Romans in the fifth century a.c. It became a strategic point and from there was passed the Appian Way. Holiday residence of noble families, had his villa here also Cicero which monument still exists and can be visited.

The coastal towns with their development of beaches, coves and cliffs make up a varied availability of access to the sea and are very receptive in a touristic way.