Fortified post on the Circeo promontory, whose name is now also linked to one of the best-known hiking trails in the area, leading to this strategic point overlooking the coast. Its high, panoramic position made it a natural observatory for watching the stretch of sea in front, a role probably played in different periods, from the first papal fortifications to more recent military structures.
Guardia Orlando is the name of the hill we are on, at about 160 m above sea level. The Circeo promontory, whose highest point is the Summit of Circe (541 m above sea level), has six other peaks: from west to east, the Summit of Paola, Punta Torre Moresca, Punta di Vasca Moresca, Punta del Fortino di Cretarossa, Punta di Cristoforo or del Semaforo, and Punta dell’Acropoli or delle Crocette. On the eastern side are the three hills of Peretto, Monticchio and Guardia Orlando. The northern side is generally less steep, facing the Pontine plain and covered in evergreen woodland, while the southern side, sunny and exposed to sea winds, is covered in Mediterranean scrub. There are three small forts, also called fortilizi or fortellicia, documented with certainty since medieval times: Guardia Orlando, Cretarossa and Monticchio. The two forts named after the hills they stand on, Guardia Orlando and Monticchio, had the task of spotting attacks on the fortified village from land, while Cretarossa watched for naval attacks. Given their small size, they were not true defensive sites, but served to spot and signal, with smoke or other means, the arrival of invaders or enemies. All three forts were destroyed by the troops of Alfonso of Aragon in the mid-15th century. After the Middle Ages they were reused until modern times. During the Second World War, in fact, it was thought that the Anzio landing would take place on the Circeo coast. The promontory was a strategic lookout point used by the Allied troops. Guard posts were set up between the strategic defence points and this fort, together with that of Monticchio. Local writings say that as many as 14 cannons were deployed in the area, while the whole coastline, from Torre Paola to Anzio and from Torre Fico to Terracina, was strewn with anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. Very little of this fort remains today. The lush vegetation blocks a wide view over the Pontine plain and the gulf. Nevertheless, the Guardia Orlando fort remains of considerable historical as well as natural interest.
