Cerfennia, ancient city in Collarmele, Italy
Cerfennia was an ancient city in the land of the Marsi people, located near modern-day Collarmele at an elevation of about 850 meters (2,800 feet). The settlement stood three kilometers north of Marruvium, the Marsi capital, and was connected to other Roman towns such as Corfinium by the Via Valeria road.
Cerfennia was likely founded as a fortification or small settlement, possibly with religious significance tied to the pre-Roman Cerfi deities. By the Middle Ages, the name had changed to "Cerferno" in 12th-century documents, and a church dedicated to Saint Felicita was mentioned in connection with the area.
The name Collarmele likely comes from the Latin "Collis Armelis", pointing to a settlement that developed after ancient Cerfennia faded. The local community keeps its past alive through religious festivals like the Feast of Saint Felicita in July, when processions and music fill the streets and visitors can experience the living traditions of the region.
The area around Cerfennia is easily reached by car or train from major cities like Rome and Naples. The site is straightforward to explore on foot or by bicycle, with local buses and routes available to nearby mountain parks and villages.
Archaeological finds from Cerfennia are sparse, with only a few stone markers and inscriptions remaining, which adds to the mystery of this settlement. Despite this scarcity, the site demonstrates how important this place was in connecting different parts of Roman Italy.
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