Sperlonga, the village overlooking the sea

Sperlonga owes its name to the natural caves (speluncae) that open onto the sea, among which the famous grotto of Tiberius stands out. Already in Roman times, Pliny mentioned the “place of the cave,” and Strabo added that there were very large caverns with luxurious residences, attractive to the Roman nobility. These natural hollows were transformed into villas, such as that of Emperor Tiberius, but were abandoned around the 10th century due to pirate raids, pushing the population onto the spur of San Magno. Documented as castrum Speloncae, Sperlonga had a castle and a church dedicated to Saint Peter. From the 9th century it was a fishing village, threatened by the Saracens. Over time it became a refuge for figures such as Antipope Clement VII (1379) and a victim of raids by Barbarossa (1534) and the Turks (1622).

What to see in Sperlonga

Sperlonga is a seaside village halfway between Naples and Rome, perched on a rocky spur, with whitewashed houses, arches, alleys, and stairways climbing down to the sea. Its medieval structure developed from the central core, with houses built close together for defensive purposes, adapting to the rock. In the 11th century it was a castle with defensive walls, with two surviving gates: Portella and Porta Marina, both bearing the Caetani coat of arms. Three watchtowers remain against Saracen pirates: Torre Truglia, Torre Capovento, and Torre del Nibbio. After the devastation of 1534, the village was rebuilt in the shape of a tortoise, with churches and noble palaces. Among the architectural highlights are the church of Santa Maria di Spelonca (12th century), the church of San Rocco, and Palazzo Sabella, refuge of Antipope Clement VII in 1379. The grotto of Tiberius, part of a Roman villa, extends for over 300 meters and included baths, a pool, and decorations with marbles, mosaics, and marble groups depicting the deeds of Ulysses, today preserved in the Archaeological Museum.

Events and traditions of the village

In Sperlonga, culture and taste meet through events and traditions. In September, the Grotta di Tiberio Prize takes place as part of the Cultural Week, dedicated to enhancing local heritage. During the summer, between July and August, TeatroMare enlivens the village with open-air performances and seaside atmospheres. Local gastronomy celebrates humble cuisine: fish or sardine soups “alla sperlongana,” beans and marinata, alongside specialties such as bombolotti with cuttlefish ragù, spaghetti with mantis shrimp, and other seafood dishes. Tradition and creativity make every culinary experience an immersion in the flavors of the territory.

What to see near Sperlonga

In the surroundings of Sperlonga there are numerous destinations combining history, nature, and culture. Just a few kilometers away lies Gaeta, with its medieval historic center, the Sanctuary of the Split Mountain, and the Angevin-Aragonese Castle. Also unmissable is the Monti Aurunci Natural Park, ideal for excursions among woods, panoramic trails, and ancient villages. Along the coast, the beaches of Formia and hidden coves offer relaxation and breathtaking views. Not far away, the Temple of Jupiter Anxur in Terracina dominates the city from above, while Minturno preserves Roman and medieval remains, making the area around Sperlonga a rich and varied itinerary for every type of visitor.

Cover photo credits: essevu