Paliano, Italian comune
Paliano is a small commune in the province of Frosinone in Lazio, situated beneath the Prenestini and Ernici mountains with narrow old stone streets and squares. The historic center is surrounded by a nearly 1.6 mile (2.5 km) medieval wall that was reinforced over the centuries and still features numerous towers.
First recorded around the 8th century as Massa Pulliani when it belonged to the church, the settlement was transformed into a castle called Castellum Pallianus in the 11th century. Under the control of Subiaco monastery, it became a strategic fortress against invasions and was rebuilt several times with papal support.
The name Paliano traces back to the ancient term "Massa Pulliani", linking Roman origins to medieval growth. Local residents continue to celebrate traditional festivals and prepare regional food that reflects the countryside heritage of the area.
The town is easy to explore since its compact old structure remains manageable and is well outlined by the preserved walls. It helps to walk early in the morning or late evening when the streets are quieter and the light illuminates the stone buildings nicely.
After his victory at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, Marcantonio Colonna became a hero to the town, with his portraits decorating the fortress and an annual festival held each August in honor of his family. His importance left such a lasting mark that his name still carries the town's main square today.
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