San Felice Circeo, Coastal commune in Province of Latina, Italy
San Felice Circeo is a coastal commune situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Monti Lepini mountain range. The buildings display whitewashed walls, terracotta roofing, and traditional arched windows characteristic of Mediterranean villages.
The settlement was known in ancient times as Circeii and appears in a 509 BC treaty between Rome and Carthage. This early historical record shows the location held strategic importance in the classical period.
The name comes from Circe, the enchantress of Greek mythology who was said to live on the mountain overlooking the coast. This ancient legend shapes how locals and visitors see the landscape today.
The commune is accessible by regular bus services and offers a range of accommodations from seaside hotels to mountain lodges. Visitors should note that streets in older neighborhoods are narrow and winding, making comfortable walking shoes advisable.
The Grotta Guattari within the commune contains substantial Neanderthal remains from nine individuals, making it one of Italy's most significant prehistoric sites. These discoveries reveal that the area was inhabited during the early Stone Age.
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