Isola del Liri

Isola del Liri, also called Isola Liri, is a town in Italy. It is located in the area called Lazio, specifically in the province of Frosinone. The town's name means "island of the Liri" because it sits between two arms of the Liri River.

The Liri River, along with another river called the Fibreno, has many beautiful waterfalls. These waterfalls have been used to power factories over the years. This has helped the town grow and develop its industries.

Today, Isola del Liri is a place where nature and human activity work together, with the rivers providing both beauty and a source of energy.

History

Isola del Liri began near Volscan areas. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was ruled by the Byzantines and then the Lombards.

During the early Middle Ages, the town changed hands between the Byzantines and the Lombards before becoming part of the county of Sora in the Principality of Capua. From the 12th to the 14th century, it was controlled by the dell'Isola family. Later, it became part of the Duchy of Sora under the Boncompagni family. In 1796, it was joined with the Papal States.

Originally in the Terra di Lavoro region of Campania, Isola del Liri was moved to Lazio during the Fascist time.

Main sights

The town's main sight is Castello Boncompagni-Viscogliosi, a strong palace near two big waterfalls called Cascata Grande and Cascata del Valcatoio. Each waterfall is about 30 metres high, and there is also a bridge on the river nearby. This place was first written about in the year 1100. Later, it became an important home for the della Rovere family and then for the Boncompagni family. In the 1600s, Costanza Sforza made it into a beautiful palace with special paintings and a garden.

Not far from the town, about 2 kilometres away, is a church called San Domenico. It was built in the 1100s and is thought to be where the famous person Cicero once had a home.

Culture

See also: Liri Blues Festival

Isola del Liri has hosted the Liri Blues Festival every year since 1988. This free international festival takes place over a week in July. There are concerts in the main square, Piazza Boncompagni, and in the streets, with late-night jam sessions.

In 1997, during the 10th edition of the festival, Isola del Liri formed a friendly partnership with the city of New Orleans in Louisiana, USA.

Twin towns

See also: Twinning with New Orleans

• New Orleans, United States