The Via Latina and the Way of St Benedict

The Via Latina, which starts in Rome, winds through the hills of southern Lazio

This important road was traveled by both historical figures and saints, such as Hannibal and Saint Benedict. It is the oldest road, stretching 216 kilometers, that connected Rome to the city of Casilinum (Capua). It was used by the Romans during their southward expansion, specifically to reach and defeat the Samnite population that lived in this region.
Over the centuries, the route was enriched with abbeys, castles and fortified strongholds. The ancient artery, indispensable for crossing the inland areas of southern Lazio, served not only armies and merchants but also monks and clergymen, including Saint Benedict of Norcia. He travelled the road to reach sacred sites and the Cistercian abbeys of the region, which were centred around the monastery of Montecassino.
This is why Arpino is now one of the sixteen stops on the Way of St Benedict, an itinerary that follows the path of the Umbrian saint as he journeyed from his hometown to the site where he built his first Cistercian abbey.