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Cisterna di Latina
"An Olive branch in her hand...with a devil at her feet..."
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(Photo: Probably US Army Archives; provided by Lazio Regional Government Tourist Information)
Prominent in Cisterna is the fountain which survived WWII.
The Fountain Biondi (above) was damaged but survived and the Church of the Assumption was completely destroyed (out of the picture) but, later completely rebuilt.
The Fountain Biondi was constructed by Sculptor Ernesto Biondi between 1885 and 1890 the fountain stands on a high granite base depicting a hostile world - a mountain with caves and gorges made up of boulders and stalagtites.
Atop the base is a 2.10 meter statue of a woman holding an Olive branch in her hand...with a devil at her feet...it represents the triumph of Good over Evil...and refers to the scourge of Malaria that was formerly present in the area before the Pontine Marshes were brought under control.
The Patron Saint of Cisterna is Saint Rocco of the 1400's protector against disease.
US Troops move thru Cisterna di Latina after the Germans are pushed out.(National Archives Photo)
Cisterna di Latina:
The war and the 'Battle for Cisterna' left all the public buildings and most of the private buildings in the town heavily damaged or completely destroyed by combined action of ground and airpower against the German forces occupying the towns of Cisterna, Isobella and the village of Littoria...action continued to rage for four months; while the Allies tried to dislodge the German 14th Army. The 14th was heavily 'dug in' and was fighting for time.
Cisterna di Latina: Latitude - 41.592856
Longitude - 12.8196432
Cisterna di Latina; part of the Latium Region of Italy covering 14, 282 sq kms lying between 18 meters and 199 meters above sea level with a population of 12, 471 in 1936; 52 kms from Rome and 180 kms from Naples; the road passing thru Cisterna is the Appian Way (S.S. 7) the Cisterna area is comprised of reclaimed marshlands of the 'Argo Pontino' at one time supporting 5000 peasant farm homes created by the Italian government. The area is still a farm community. Farmers are known for dairy products; particularly cheese. Grape and wine production is prominent; 'Tres Tabernae' of Casa Vinicola is the pre-eminent wine; this area is also Europe's largest producer of 'kiwi'...
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Cisterna di Latina (photo department of tourism Lazio Regional Government)
What is in a name...
di Latina or di Littoria? Just what is the proper name? Early accounts monickered the village of Cisterna; as Cisterna di Littoria. This name was picked up and carried forward; Lazio is the 'province' and Latina is the region' Littoria is another village site all together.
Cisterna sits along the Appian Way Hwy 7 , which leads to Rome; The Latin Cisterns or the underground aqueducts give the town its name; or another way it can be interpreted; The Cistern's of the Latins.
Few Rangers have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor because their efforts and sacrifices have always been expected to excede the acts of bravery of their fellow soldiers; and unfortunately this has affected the historical record...actions taken by Rangers at Cisterna paralleled the acts of the Brave Men of the 3rd Division.
3rd Division Medals of Honor near Cisterna di Latina
American Paratroopers