S.Elia Fiumerapido

In Roman times, the current territory of Santelio was part of the ancient Casinum, as documented by surviving inscriptions.

Archaeological finds from pre-Roman and Roman times have been discovered in the territory: polygonal walls from the 4th or 3rd century BC, the remains of two Roman bridges, long and well-preserved sections of a Roman aqueduct from the Claudia era, the remains of columns and pediments of Roman villas and sacred buildings, and Latin epigraphs.

The entire length of the historic centre of Sant'Elia is criss-crossed by Via Angelo Santilli, from which a maze of alleys and porticoes branch off upwards, circling behind the 13th-century mother church of Santa Maria la Nova.

Long stretches of the ancient town's enclosure and defence walls are still visible, with some towers still in good condition or easily recognisable. There are also numerous Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque churches and chapels with period frescoes and paintings.