The Days of the Slap (I Giorni dello Schiaffo)
Medieval reenactment in September commemorating the Slap of Anagni against Pope Boniface VIII (1303), with costumed processions, live music and guided tours of the Palazzo Bonifacio VIII.
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Anagni
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ℹ️Practical info — Anagni
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The Crypt of San Magno inside the Cathedral is a must-see, often called the Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages. Book tickets in advance.
- Park your car just outside the historical medieval walls, as the historic center has restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and narrow, steep streets.
- The town is hilly; wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential for exploring the medieval alleyways safely.
- Look out for the Papal Palace (Palazzo di Bonifacio VIII) to dive into the famous 'Slap of Anagni' history.
🍽 Food
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Cesanese del Piglio
Try this robust local red wine in one of the traditional wine bars (enoteche) in the historical center.
🍽
Timballo di Maccheroni
A baked pasta dish typical of the Ciociaria region, usually found in family-run trattorias.
🍽
Pecorino Romano
Look for local varieties of this hard sheep's cheese in the town's delicatessens.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Local Wine Shops
Pick up a bottle of Cesanese or Passerina wine as a first-rate edible souvenir.
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Traditional Crafts
Explore the main street for small artisan shops selling ceramics and local crafts.
🧘
Parco della Rimembranza
A quiet park offering a peaceful break and panoramic views over the Sacco Valley.
🧘
Medieval Walls Walk
Take a stroll along the preserved sections of the old town walls for a quiet perspective of the valley.
Water temperature…
Anagni, widely known as the 'City of the Popes,' is a historical jewel in the Lazio region, having served as the birthplace and residence of four significant medieval pontiffs. The city gained global notoriety for the 'Outrage of Anagni' in 1303, a diplomatic and physical assault on Pope Boniface VIII by emissaries of King Philip IV of France. Its architectural centerpiece is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a Romanesque masterpiece from the 11th century. The cathedral's crypt, often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages,' houses one of Europe's best-preserved fresco cycles from the 12th and 13th centuries, depicting biblical scenes and scientific diagrams. The Papal Palace of Boniface VIII remains an impressive testament to the city's former political might. Perched on a ridge overlooking the Sacco Valley, Anagni maintains a medieval cityscape with cobblestone streets and massive stone walls. Today, the city is a major cultural destination and a key part of an industrial district south of Rome.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Museo Bonifacio VIII · Museo della cattedrale di Anagni · Arcazzi di Piscina
- Nearby: Fiuggi (8 km)
- Population: ~9.206
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 79 | 77 | 68 | 58 | 57 | 41 | 29 | 26 | 65 | 78 | 107 | 92 |
Live webcam – Anagni
See what it looks like near Anagni right now.
Anagni: A01 km. 605,8 - itinere nord · 4.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Birthplace of four popes, most notably Boniface VIII.
- The 'Slap of Anagni' occurred on September 7, 1303.
- The Cathedral was built between 1072 and 1104.
- The crypt features 540 square meters of medieval frescoes.
- The Papal Palace currently houses a historical museum.
- Anagni served as the capital of the ancient Hernician league.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:251.5 km walk8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 28€ · Transport 0€
Welcome to the 'City of Popes'. Your day begins at Piazza Innocenzo III, the beating heart of the medieval old town. In the morning, marvel at the world-famous frescoes in the Cathedral's crypt before visiting the historic Palace of Boniface VIII. After a lunch of local specialties, explore the enigmatic Barnekow House and the monumental ancient walls, offering fantastic views over the valley.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Piazza Innocenzo III
The first-rate spot for your first espresso with a view of the cathedral.
🚶 5'0.08 km
📍
10:02 · 47'
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Don't miss the crypt, known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages'.
🚶 5'0.1 km
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10:54 · 47'
Palace of Boniface VIII
Site of the famous 'Slap of Anagni'. Dive into papal history.
🚶 4'0.07 km
🚶 6'0.14 km
🚶 6'0.14 km
🚶 20'0.86 km
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14:38 · 84'
Cyclopean Walls
Huge ancient stone blocks that have protected Anagni for millennia.
🚶 6'0.14 km
📍
16:08 · 47'
Porta Cerere
The monumental entrance to the old town. Well-suited for a closing photo.
09:00→16:121.2 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Explore the hilltop city of Anagni actively by bike. Start at Porta Cerere and follow the ancient Cyclopean walls. Reach the city center via steep but rewarding alleys. After cultural highlights like the Cathedral and the Papal Palace, enjoy the ride down through the medieval San Pancrazio district. A perfect mix of activity and history.
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09:00→16:581.4 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 28€ · Transport 0€
Reach Anagni comfortably by car. The tour follows the cluster principle: park at strategic points like Porta Cerere or near Piazza Innocenzo III and explore the sights on foot. This way, you combine the convenience of arrival with the intensity of an old town walk. You will visit all major sites from the Cyclopean walls to the Papal Palace.
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Sights in the town Anagni (9)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Anagni called the 'City of Popes'?
Four popes were born here or had their residence in the city.
What was the 'slap of Anagni'?
A historical incident in 1303 where Pope Boniface VIII was humiliated.
Are there famous frescoes in the cathedral?
Yes, the cathedral's crypt is known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Middle Ages'.
Can you visit the Palace of the Popes?
Yes, the Palazzo di Bonifacio VIII is now a museum.
How far is Anagni from Rome?
About 60 kilometers southeast, easily accessible via the A1 motorway.
Anagni: where is it located?
Anagni is located in Italy.
Anagni: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo Bonifacio VIII, Museo della cattedrale di Anagni, Arcazzi di Piscina.
Anagni: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Anagni: why is it worth visiting?
Anagni, widely known as the 'City of the Popes,' is a historical jewel in the Lazio region, having served as the birthplace and residence of four significant medieval pontiffs.
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