Cori Attractions

From Cisterna di Latina, 10km/6mi northeast, on an outlier of the Monti Lepini, is the little town of Cori (384m/1,267ft; pop. 10,000), the ancient Cora. The town, which claims to have been founded by the Trojan Dardanus, preserves considerable remains of its ancient polygonal walls (fifth century B.C.). In the upper town stands the church of Sant'Oliva, built on ancient foundations, with a two-story cloister, ancient columns and unusual ceiling paintings (16th century). Higher up, by the church of San Pietro, is the antechamber of the so-called Temple of Hercules (first century B.C.), probably in fact dedicated to the three Capitoline deities, Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. From here there are beautiful views over the town to the sea, the plain and Monte Circeo. Below the temple (30minute's walk) are the remains of another temple dedicated to Castor and Pollux.