The City of the Popes, between history and legend
Perched on a hill overlooking the Sacco Valley, ancient Anagnia—once the capital of the Hernici confederation—is a place where myth and history intertwine. Legend has it that it was one of the five cities founded by the god Saturn.
After submitting to Rome in 306 BC, Anagni became an important center, but it was in the Middle Ages that it reached its greatest splendor. It was the stage for the dramatic clash between the Colonna family, the French king Philip the Fair, and Pope Boniface VIII, a conflict that culminated in the famous episode known as the “Slap of Anagni.”
Strolling through its historic center means immersing yourself in an authentically medieval atmosphere, among sober squares, loggias, and austere stone buildings.
Palace of Boniface VIII
A potent symbol of medieval authority, this 13th-century palace hosted major historical figures, including Emperor Frederick II and Pope Innocent IV.
Later owned by the Caetani family, it was here in 1303 that the historic “Slap of Anagni” took place—the affront to Boniface VIII, also recalled by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
Cathedral of Santa Maria
A Romanesque masterpiece built on the site of the ancient acropolis, the Cathedral is the spiritual heart of the city.
Amid splendid Cosmatesque floors and the imposing statue of Boniface VIII, its true treasure is the medieval Crypt—often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages.” It preserves one of the most spectacular and significant cycles of 13th-century frescoes in Europe.
Casa Barnekow
Located along the main street, this 13th-century residence reflects Anagni’s golden age during the time of the Popes. It takes its name from the Swedish nobleman who, in the nineteenth century, adorned its façade with frescoes and enigmatic inscriptions in various languages.
Famous for its distinctive external staircase and wide arches, Casa Barnekow is one of the most picturesque and mysterious buildings in the historic center.
Town Hall
Designed in the 12th century by architect Jacopo da Iseo, the building is striking for its ingenious portico of broad arches that connects pre-existing structures. The upper floor houses the majestic Sala della Ragione, once the seat of the court, while the exterior façade is embellished with the Loggia del Banditore and elegant double- and triple-arched windows. A historic residence of popes and governors, the Palace remains to this day the lively heart of Anagni’s public life.
Ernici Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of the Anagni area features collections relating to Prehistory and the Paleolithic era. The MAE collections tell the most ancient story of life on Earth, with insights into excavations and discoveries made in the Anagni basin.