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The Church of St Mary of the Assumption in Castrocielo: Where Two Villages Meet Every Easter Monday
On the summit of Monte Asprano, at 669 metres a.s.l., the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo (St Mary of the Assumption) commands an exceptionally panoramic view of the Liri valley. Built in the 14th century right next to the castle of Castrum Coeli, it served for over five centuries as the shared parish church of two communities — Palazzolo (today's Castrocielo) and Colle San Magno — which grew up on opposite slopes of the mountain after the inhabitants abandoned the castle.
One Parish, Two Villages
The archpriest resided for six months in Palazzolo and six months in Colle San Magno. This forced coexistence bred fierce rivalries: the two communities even disputed the right of precedence during liturgical celebrations. Only in 1850 were two separate parishes established. Inside the church, 18th-century frescoes survive; a commemorative plaque records the restoration of 1885, undertaken at the behest of Sister Maria Cristina Abbate.
The Kiss of the Madonnas
Every Easter Monday, at dawn, two processions set out from the two villages and climb up to the church taking opposing paths. Arriving outside the church, the statues of the Madonna meet and bow to one another in a symbolic "kiss." Mass then follows, followed by breakfast on the meadows: Easter bread, ring-shaped cakes, hard-boiled eggs, salami and wine. A fireworks display and contest between rival pyrotechnicians brings the day to a close.
