- Boville Ernica
Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Boville Ernica-Stemma.png
region =Lazio
province = Frosinone (FR)
name=Boville Ernica
mapx=41.64
mapy=13.47
elevation_m = 450
area_total_km2 = 28
population_as_of =2001
population_total = 8869
population_density_km2 = 317
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|41|39|N|13|28|E|region:IT
frazioni =
telephone = 0775
postalcode = 03022
gentilic =
saint = San Pietro Ispano
day =March 11
mayor =Michele Rotondi (since May 2003)
website = [http://www.boville.it/ www.boville.it]Boville Ernica is a town in
Lazio ,Italy . It is located over the summit of a steep hill commanding the Liri, Cosa andSacco valleys.History
The town's history stretches back to pre-Roman times, which is testified by its numerous archeological findings and prehistoric Pelasgic walls. Its primordial name, "Bauco", recalls the ancient agricultural worship of the god Bove, symbol of fertility. In the archeological area of Monte Fico, where once stood a temple dedicated to this divinity, there have come to light votive statuettes featuring oxes.
Boville Ernica was once situated on the plains below its present site, but after the
Saracen and Hungarian invasions (9th/10th centuries), its population moved to the higher levels of Monte Fico, where the ancient center was transformed into one of the most fortified towns in the region.Main sights
In addition to the Pelasgic walls, sights include the imposing castle and its powerful belts of Medieval walls having as many as 18 turrets and towers (alternating as round and square shapes), all still stand completely intact.
Boville is also home to many Renaissance palaces and churches. Among them is the notable church of "San Pietro Ispano", erected in the 12th century over the actual grotto, in which for many years lived penitent the Patron Saint. The church still conserves an early-Christian sarcophagus, two reliquaries, belonging to S. Pietro Ispano and S. Lucy, a chapel once belonging to the noble family of the Simoncelli, a Sansovino basrelief and a mosaic attributed to
Giotto .
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