This is route that gradually increases from the plateau of Cassino to the heart of the Appenino Mountains, where one of the most important Sanctuaries in all of Central Italy is located: the Madonna del Canneto. This itinerary links matters of history, nature, culture, folklore and religion in a most unique way.

As you exit the highway at Cassino, the first town one meets proceeding towards the interior s St. Elia Fiumerapido. This town, during the battle in 1943-44 was destroyed almost completely, luckily many of its monuments managed to survive. Our trip proceeds along the “superstrada”(similar to the old but no tolling stations) for Atina, but the old secondary road is better so that a detour to Belmonte Castello can be done. This medieval town is set among the forests where asparagus and mushrooms can be found. The next stop is Atina, ancient city which has monuments from almost every age. There are also interesting museums and exhibitions. The present historical center was built in the 1400’s. Our itinerary now brings us to Gallinaro, located on a panoramic hill in the center of the Comino valley.

At last, we direct ourselves to the large mountains of the Abruzzo National Park, which extends into a large area of Lazio where the next medieval town on our itinerary is Settefrati. A lovely town which has well preserved its medieval past. Proceeding for another 10 kilometers trough the green valley of Canneto, the Sanctuary is finally reached. This was a worship place even in the pagan era and in the VIII century was used by the Benedictines.

There are traditional pilgrimages that are still practiced: on 21st-22nd August pilgrims come from al lover the province and even from different regions to the sanctuary. Often their return to their various towns/cities is home to further celebrations.