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Nestled in the rolling hills of the Lepini Mountains, the ancient town of Cori offers a fascinating journey through time. Located in the province of Latina, halfway between the Pontine Plain and the Castelli Romani, its historic centre dominates the valley offering breathtaking views as far as the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Indeed, its strategic position, on the borders of the archaic Latium Vetus, has made it a landmark for centuries.
With a history dating back over 3300 years, Cori has witnessed the rise and fall of empires and its rich heritage is evident in its well-preserved architecture and intriguing legends.
Founded, according to legend, by the Trojan hero Aeneas, Cori was an important centre of the Latin League. Its strategic position made it a vital outpost in the conflicts between Rome and its neighbours.
On the other hand, the city’s cyclopean walls, evidence of its ancient past, still surround the historic centre. Archaeological evidence suggests that Cori was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age and its name, derived from the Latin word for ‘crow’, is believed to have a totemic meaning.
Outstanding among all the monuments, in terms of size, history and visibility, is the Temple of Hercules (built between 89 B.C. and 80 B.C.), a travertine spectacle, covered in coloured stucco, which was accessed by a flight of steps that has now been lost.
A national monument since 1898, today only the pronaos and the entrance wall of the cell are preserved, certainly originally with four closed sides. Splendid position overlooking the Pontine plain.
It is a perfect example of the Doric style reinterpreted in an Italic key. The attribution is not certain, although it has been called this in local documents for many centuries. It has inspired numerous artists, especially Piranesi and it seems that even Raphael studied it when he replaced Bramante at the head of the Fabbrica di San Pietro.
Roman rule brought a period of prosperity and Cori was appointed municipium, acquiring a certain autonomy in the Roman Republic. The citizens proudly displayed the acronym SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus), a symbol of loyalty to Rome.
The Pozzo Dorico (for the people of Corium, Pizzitónico) dates back to this period, dating from between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C., which served as a cistern but also as a covered market.
Also from the same period is the Temple of the Dioscuri, dated from the 1st century BC, of which the 10-metre-high Corinthian columns and part of the architrave remain. Access to this area is through the artistic Via delle Colonne.
However, Cori’s fortunes declined during the Middle Ages, when it was subject to invasions and political turmoil. In 1167 it was sacked by Frederick Barbarossa’s troops.
In 1211, Pope Innocent III enfeoffed Cori in revocable concession to Pietro degli Annibaldi.
After the death of the latter, Cori returned to the papal state (1234) and was declared an inalienable castellania by Pope Gregory IX. The municipal order developed despite the domination of the Church. The first town statute dates back to the mid 13th century (the ancient public palace is still the town hall).
As a free commune, Cori was militarily allied with nearby Velletri; the bonds of mutual aid date back to at least 1207. Later, at the beginning of the 15th century, the town of Cori was invaded by Ladislaus of Durazzo, who ruled it until 1410.
Absolutely original is the Church of St Oliva formed by two neighbouring churches, one medieval and the other from the 15th century, which were joined by opening arches in the dividing wall.
In this monumental complex, the Museum of the Town and Territory of Cori is remarkable. A three-storey museum that preserves important evidence of this part of southern Lazio, between the provinces of Rome, Latina and Frosinone.
The period between the Fifteenth and the Eighteenth centuries was characterized by a series of events that profoundly marked the history of Cori: conflicts, reconstructions, political and demographic changes, not least the devastating Allied bombing of 1944.
In 1870, following the Unification of Italy, Cori was included in the Province of Rome (gaining Giulianello as a fraction), and later in 1934, after the founding of Littoria (now Latina), the city became part of the newly established province of the same name.
The historic center is a fascinating journey through narrow streets, charming squares, and ancient palaces. The noble palaces, with their stone portals and decorated façades, testify to the city’s aristocratic past.
Of great allure are the ancient polygonal walls of the city, with their imposing gates, which constantly remind us of Cori’s turbulent history. Among these stands out Porta Ninfina, rebuilt in 1984 following the traces of the original from the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.
It is noteworthy that the gate has walls on its left side, a typical feature of the so-called “scee” gates, designed to attack enemies on their right flank, where they were unprotected by their shields.
Despite the passage of time, Cori has managed to preserve unique traditions and customs. Local festivities, such as the Palio dei Rioni, celebrate the city’s rich heritage and provide a glimpse into its past.
In particular, this event highlights the skill and spectacle of the Flag Throwers of Cori, who are invited to perform throughout Italy and abroad.
The cuisine is deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of the region, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and ancient recipes. The surrounding area is a true paradise for nature lovers.
Lush forests, trails winding through the hills, and hidden medieval villages are just a few of the many attractions to discover.
Cori is connected to Norba by about 12 kilometers of the Via Francigena Sud, two important destinations for exploring ancient civilizations and their evolution up to the present day.
Since 2000, it has enhanced the understanding of the historical, archaeological, artistic, and cultural heritage of Southern Lazio through general summaries and thematic in-depth studies.
