Roccasecca: the hidden village in Lazio to discover if you love philosophy

Nestled in the lush hills of the Lazio region, Roccasecca is a beautiful medieval village, one of the most interesting and lesser-known in Central Italy. Far from the crowds of Rome and just two hours away by car, this picturesque town offers a peaceful, authentic Italian experience where history, nature, and culture meet.

Located in the wonderful Ciociaria region, the southern part of Lazio, Roccasecca is a village that should be explored slowly to fully appreciate its beautiful landscapes and monuments, which hold significant religious and philosophical meaning thanks to its deep connection with St. Thomas Aquinas, who was born there. Whether you're a philosophical or religious explorer, a nature lover, or a slow travel enthusiast, Roccasecca deserves a top spot on an Italian itinerary.

Roccasecca, named one of the best places to visit in Italy in 2025 according to Visit Italy, is a village best known as the birthplace of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the influential 13th-century philosopher and theologian. The world-famous Saint still represents a strong central identity for Roccasecca and its community.

Saint Thomas Aquinas's legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the town, from the ruins of the ancient Castle of Roccasecca, perched high above the valley, to local churches and annual cultural festivals. Tracing the footsteps of Saint Thomas Aquinas by visiting his birthplace village is an unforgettable trip for any believer or history traveler, especially since in 2025 Roccasecca celebrates the 800th birth anniversary of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Roccasecca offers some unique and stunning places to visit, some of them linked with its vocation as a spiritual destination. The penultimate step of Saint Benedict's path, Roccasecca's main monuments are the evocative ruins of the Castle of Roccasecca and its archaeological site, which crown the hilltop with sweeping views of the Liri Valley, and the church dedicated to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the first one dedicated to the illustrious philosopher. To explore the places of this legendary Saint, it is possible to follow also the Tomistic path, an immersive experience among the places of the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Roccasecca also hosts two hermitages dating from the early Middle Ages: the Hermitage of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Trinity) and the Hermitage of Saint Angel in Asprano. Walking through the old town of Roccasecca feels like stepping back in time. Narrow cobblestone streets, medieval stone houses, and panoramic terraces overlooking the Liri Valley surprise travelers with their timeless beauty.

In Roccasecca, the legacy of Saint Thomas Aquinas is deeply woven into the fabric of the town and for those wishing to follow in the footsteps of this influential 13th-century philosopher and theologian, it is possible to undertake the Thomistic Path, an experience leads through the most relevant places of the Saint's life.

The path that crosses through the village to the ruins of the manor where the Saint was born, it shows 26 installations with quotes and reflections on the Thomistic philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas and it offers an unforgettable experience for believers and history enthusiasts.

Located in the province of Frosinone, Roccasecca lies midway between Rome and Naples, making it an ideal day trip or stopover for travelers exploring central Italy. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Liri Valley and the Aurunci Mountains and sited just 17 kilometers from the beautiful Montecassino Abbey, Roccasecca is a perfect destination for those seeking eco-tourism in Italy, as the village offers spectacular hiking and cycling opportunities. Trails from the old castle lead through olive groves, oak forests, and limestone ridges; the landscapes of Roccasecca often reveal stunning views and ancient ruins over this corner of the Ciociaria region. The nearby Monte Asprano is a favorite among hikers and photographers, particularly at sunrise, an incredible spot for everyone who wants to experience an experiential vacation in Italy.

Furthermore, the territory of Roccasecca has been the location of iconic Italian movies shot in these landscapes such as Il Medico dei Pazzi and Gli Onorevoli, both starring Totò - Antonio de Curtis - to whom the town has dedicated a statue.

Unlike more tourist-crowded destinations in Italy, Roccasecca provides a genuine taste of Italian life. Local trattorias serve traditional dishes such as handmade fresh egg pasta, wild boar stew, and fresh cheeses, all made from locally sourced ingredients. Two of the most typical products of Roccasecca cuisine are "broccoletto roccaseccano," a wild vegetable similar to the Apulian cime di rapa, and "sfogliatella roccaseccana," a delicious local pastry made with ricotta, black pepper, and cinnamon, sometimes enriched with cheese or cured meats, depending on the sweet or savory version.

Every year Roccasecca also hosts festivals throughout the year; the most important is the Saint Thomas feast, which celebrates Roccasecca's most prestigious citizen ever.

Roccasecca is located in central Italy between Rome and Naples and it is closed only 17 kilometers from Cassino and its famous Abbey. The town is easily accessible by train, with direct connections to major cities and by the highway A1 which connected Naples to Milan among Rome, Florence and Bologna. Even tough the village of Saint Thomas Aquinas is so well connected with the rest of Italy yet it remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. So this one of the reasons why Roccasecca is one of the best places for a emotional vacation, to slow down and savor the true essence of Italy.