Piedimonte San Germano, the village of memory and the fortress of the Counts of Aquino
Rebuilt almost from scratch after the Second World War, Piedimonte San Germano is a symbol of resilience in the heart of the Ciociaria region. Its position, standing at the foot of Monte Cairo and a stone's throw from Cassino, has shaped its destiny. The modern landscape is dominated not by an old historic centre, but by what remains of the Castle of the Counts of Aquino.
A castle reborn
The mighty walls of the ancient medieval fortress still stand today, visible from every corner of the village. But it is the vast interior space that is truly surprising. Once the heart of the castle, this space has been fully restored, and now hosts conferences, performances and historical re-enactments, transforming the scars of war into a vibrant gathering place.
Faith and popular traditions
The life of the village is also bound to spiritual figures, such as St Amasius, the village’s patron saint, who stayed here in the 4th century. And to grasp the most authentic soul of the place, one must discover the deep devotion to Our Lady of Canneto. Every summer, one of the most heartfelt walking pilgrimages in the region sets off from here.
The outer part of the Castle of the Counts of Aquino is freely accessible. Events held inside follow a seasonal calendar. The pilgrimage to the Madonna di Canneto takes place every year in August.