Terracina to Benevento

From the monastery the path leads along country roads to the bustling town of Fondi.

Fondi has an ancient history, going back to about 1000 B.C. It is best known for its historic center, its round castle, and its walls which form a square around the city.

The path leaves Fondi on the Via Gegni (which later turns into the Via Valmaiura, and then later the Via Fossato Piano). This makes a nice quiet alternative to the Via Appia Nuova. 

After rejoining the Via Appia Nuova briefly, the path again leads off to the right, for a great section of the old Via Appia. This is one of the most beautiful and secluded spots of the Via Appia, the National park Fosso di Sant’Andrea, the restored old Roman road and Temple of Apollo. Signs offer information about the history of the old Via Appia as well as an introduction to the plants native to the area. 

Itri is a good place to end a day’s walk. It is best known for two towers, one round and one square. Itri has existed since Neolithic times and has hosted many fierce battles through its history. It is positioned in a narrow pass and has served through time as a military post.

After the pleasant town of Itri, the path follows the Via Appia Nuova until a right turn onto Contrada Calabretto. This route makes a nice detour from the main road. When the road intersects Contrada Rignano, the path leads back to the Via Appia Nuova, and then down this main road. Near the aqueduct there is a difficult intersection, which involves crossing the highway and heading right on the Via Sant' Agostino. The path then heads left onto the Via Pontone, then the Via Canzatora, and down to the beach, and into Formia on the Via Vindicio.

Ancient Formia is best known for its ‘high’ and ‘low’. The octagonal Tower of Castellone presides over the city, and one of the largest cisterns held the city’s water. The Roman aqueduct in effect serves as the gateway to the city. Also well known is the Renaissance church and monastic compound of Saint Erasmo, who was martyred here around 303 A.D. Cicero was also assassinated just outside of town in 43 B.C. on the Appian Way. His mausoleum is one of the city’s major destinations.