San Felice Circeo, the village dedicated to the sorceress Circe

San Felice Circeo, a village overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Rome, combines history, myth, and nature. Its name recalls the sorceress Circe of the Odyssey, to whom a cult was dedicated in antiquity on the promontory, while the reference to Antipope Felix II of the 4th century marks the Christian tradition. The promontory has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with traces of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, and hosts extraordinary caves and archaeological finds. The historic center, surrounded by ancient walls and enriched with squares and Templar towers, bears witness to centuries of Latin colonies, noble dominations, and medieval settlements. Circeo is immersed in lush nature, part of the National Park of the same name, which invites visitors to discover woods, trails, and breathtaking views, making it a village of many faces and timeless charm.

What to see in San Felice Circeo

The Templar Tower, located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, preserves an ancient “Italian-style” clock installed in the 19th century by Prince Stanislao Poniatowski. Inside it hosts the permanent exhibition Homo Sapiens and Habitat, dedicated to the natural, biological, and cultural events of the Quaternary Era, with particular focus on Circeo and the Pontine region. The rooms also house 20th-century artworks belonging to the actress Elsa De Giorgi, including paintings, sculptures, books, and objects linked to the lively Roman salons of the 1960s. The panoramic garden of Vigna La Corte offers spectacular views of the coast and the Villa dei Quattro Venti, a Roman site from the 2nd–1st century BC.

The Porta del Parco, home to the Tourist Information Office, preserves artifacts from ancient Rome to the 18th century, including a marble head attributed to Circe. The Church of the Blessed Virgin of Mercy, just outside the walls, features frescoes from the Middle Ages to the 16th century. The promontory also offers colorful cyclamens, prehistoric caves, the Capo Circeo lighthouse, and the climb to Punta delle Crocette, where the remains of the Acropolis Circeii (6th–4th century BC) testify to the ancient settlement.

Events and traditions of the village

The year in San Felice Circeo begins with the Sagra del Canascione, celebrating an ancient peasant dish, and with the Epiphany bonfire, accompanied by stockings of sweets and the distribution of traditional polenta with sausage. At the start of summer, the Academy of Mediterranean Cuisine organizes Eating to Stay Well, an event dedicated to the benefits of local products. In June, the Buffalo Festival celebrates fine cheeses and meats from the lakes of the National Park. During the summer, a horticultural and floricultural exhibition highlights zucchini, watermelons, and honey, particularly eucalyptus honey. Since 2009, local saffron has also been cultivated. In September, the Bluefish Festival enhances the local catch and traditional sweets, such as frittelle sanfeliciane, closing a calendar of festivals that unite tradition, cuisine, and territory.

What to see around San Felice Circeo

The surroundings of San Felice Circeo bring together nature, history, and archaeology. The Circeo National Park offers forests, dunes, and coastal lakes, perfect for trekking, walks, and birdwatching, with panoramic routes such as Punta Rossa and Quarto Caldo. The prehistoric caves, including Guattari Cave, testify to the presence of Neanderthals. The Roman site of the Villa dei Quattro Venti and the remains of the Acropolis Circeii recount the antiquity of the promontory. The nearby Riviera of Ulysses, with Sperlonga, offers beaches and archaeological museums. The coastal lakes provide moments of relaxation and birdwatching, while sea excursions allow visitors to discover the coastline and its crystal-clear seabeds.