FORMIA
Formia is a small town in the region of Lazio, bear Rome. It is a popular seaside resort with a rich history rooted in antiquity. The port is located in a sheltered part of the coastline which made it an excellent landing point for merchants and sailors, in fact, its name is derived from the ancient Greek word hormiae, meaning 'landing place'.
A brief history of Formia
Formia was founded by the ancient Greeks, specifically the Laconi. Then the Romans followed and gave the town the name Formiae. The famous Roman road, Via Appia, passes right through the town and the area around Formia is linked to myths and legends. It features in the stories of Troy and Ulysses, who pass through Formia, the land of the Lestrigoni, who were cannibal giants, on their way back to Ithaca, a journey on which only Ulysses' ship was saved. In Roman times, Formia was a very popular holiday resort, as evidenced by the remains of many Roman villas. The city's historical and artistic heritage was profoundly marked by the War, as Formia suffered lots of damage from heavy bombing.
What to see in Formia
Formia's beautiful churches are a good place to start your trip, for example, the Cathedral of Sant'Erasmo. It was built in Renaissance style and has three naves, inside which there are some finely crafted wooden statues. Also the church of Sant'Anna, which is smaller but houses a Renaissance fresco inside. Don't miss a visit to the medieval Castellone, unfortunately, bombings during the Second World War destroyed the walls and all of the twelve octagonal towers, apart from two that remain.
In the centre of Formia, there are the remains of the Angevin Castle, which dates back to the 10th century and has a twenty-seven-meter-high tower. Do not miss the Cisternone, to admire some Roman hydraulic engineering from the imperial age. And finally, there is the Tomb of Cicero, housed in a mausoleum next to the villa where the speaker lived and was assassinated.
Beaches around Formia
Vindicio Beach is popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, as it is exposed to the winds. The beach has plenty of bars, cafes and places to rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Lido Bandiera is another well-known beach in Formia, it is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape and is perfect for families with children, the beach is sandy and has plenty of establishments for eating and drinking.