Trivio in South Lazio

Trivio is a village of medieval origin which forms part of the municipality of Formia in South Lazio. It is located 3.6 km from Formia at a height of 238 metres above sea level. Behind Trivio tower the Aurunci Mountains and the peak of Monte Altino.

Trivio’s name is derived from the Latin word trivium, meaning “junction of three roads”, the intersection of three routes towards Maranola, Castellonorato and Ponzanello / Mamurrano.

The History of Trivio

During the time of repeated invasions by Saracen pirates, the local people left the plains and took to the hills. The ruling Caetani family constructed several strongholds with watchtowers to guard the coast.

Trivio was located between two such fortified towns, Maranola and Castellonorato. The village was documented in 1491 in an inventory that was drawn up on the death of Onorato II Caetani. It records the village as having a church dedicated to Sant’Andrea. In 1551 Dragut, the Ottoman Corsair and Naval Commander, attacked and plundered the coastal area of South Lazio. He sacked the villages of Castellone, Mamurrano and Ponzanello. Many of the inhabitants sought refuge in the nearby villages of Maranola and Trivio. During the 1800’s the area was plagued by bands of brigands such as the renowned Michele Pezza, known as Fra Diavolo, and Francesco Piazza or Cuccitto.

Churches of Trivio

The Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo, the patron saint of the village, dates from the 15th century. It has a simple facade with a decorative bronze door and inside there is a single nave. Next to the church in Piazza Sant’Andrea is the town hall with its clock which dates back to 1842.

Church and Town Hall of Trivio Formia Italy

Piazza Sant'Andrea in Scauri Formia Italy

Bronze door Church of Sant'Adrea in Trivio Formia Italy

Near to Trivio in Ponzanello stands the small Church of the Madonna della Croce, which was once the private chapel of the Matteis family of Gaeta. It has a painting dating from the 17th century and a Roman altar.

Trivio During The Second World War

In September 1943, during World War II, the Germans took occupation of the town. On the 26 November the Nazi’s executed eight civilians. On 23 January the area came under heavy bombardment from the Anglo American Allies. This resulted in a great deal of damage and resulted in numerous civilian victims and casualties. Some of the people were refugees that had fled the town of Formia following heavy bombing there. The town was eventually liberated on the 17 May by the American 337th Infantry, 85th Division.

During the war, in addition to the victims mentioned above, 21 innocent civilians of Trivio lost their lives and 7 young soldiers. Their names are commemorated on Trivio’s War Memorial.

Trivio is now twinned with the town of Monteleone di Spoleto Trivio in the Abruzzo.