Anagni, known as the City of the Popes, gave birth to four popes and has long been the papal residence.
In the historical center, full of elegant and austere buildings, Romanesque churches, steeples, loggias and piazzas, architecturally sober and basic, stands the Bonifacio VIII Palace, location of memorable events during the European Middle Ages.
Veggio in Alagna intrar lo fiordaliso,
e nel vicario suo Cristo esser catto.
Veggiolo un’altra volta esser deriso;
veggio rinovellar l’aceto e ‘l fiele,
e tra vivi ladroni esser anciso.
(Dante Alighieri – XX canto del Purgatorio)
The epilogue of a clash between two ideas of power: Bonifacio VIII claimed the universal and eternal power of the church; Philip IV was to be the king of the first national state of Europe, with strong financial needs.
In 1296, Philip IV taxed the French clergy, forbade the export of money, gold and silver outside the kingdom, claimed the right to judge the French clergy and repeatedly disobeyed to all the rebukes of Bonifacio VIII.
Philip believed he have to be accountable only to God and judged Bonifacio VIII as an unworthy Pope. After he risked to be excommunicated several times, he sent Guglielmo of Nogaret in Italy in ordero to organize the party opposed to Bonifacio VIII, and to made the Pope judged by a general council. Bonifacio was ready to excommunicate the king, but he did not have time: on 7th September of 1303 over thousand mercenaries men led by Giacomo Sciarra Colonna reached him in Anagni.
The enemies entered the doors already open by traitors of the pope, including the greatniece of the other Anagni Pope Gregorio IX. The attackers shouted: “Long live the King of France, die Pope Boniface!”.
The negotiations began, Sciarra demanded the surrender and resign from the papacy and the pope refused. Bonifacio was willing to martyrdom and replied to Sciarra’s fury by saying: “E le col e le cape! Nosco primogenitum Sathane”” Here is the neck, here is the head! I acknowledge Satan first-born. ” And on this occasion the story tells that Sciarra Colonna slapped the Pope Bonifacio VIII.
- 9.30 am – 1.00 pm (last admission 12.30 pm)
- 3.00 pm – 7.00 pm (last admission 6.30 pm)
Full Price: € 5,00 – audioguide included
Reduced Price: € 3,00 – audioguide included
- Children: 12-18 years old
- Groups: 15 adults minimum
- School groups and pilgrims
Free – audioguide included
- Children: under 12 years old
- Citizens Of Anagni
- Disabled persons with certification of 74% disability