Boniface VIII Palace

The Palace of the Popes, also known as the Boniface VIII Palace, is a significant historical site in Anagni, a hill town in central Italy. The palace has a rich history, closely associated with Pope Boniface VIII. It was later bought by his nephew, Peter II Caetani, and now houses a museum named after the Pope. The palace is currently part of a property owned by the Cistercian Sisters of Charity and is used in part as their motherhouse.

Anagni's Importance to the Papacy

The Anagni area has been of significant interest to the papacy throughout history. Its proximity to Rome and its historical use as a place for respite have made it a favored location. During the days of the Roman Empire, several emperors, including Marcus Aurelius, Septimius Severus, Commodus, and Caracalla, spent their summers in Anagni to escape the heat of Rome and the city's endemic diseases.

Anagni Cathedral's Historical Significance

The present Anagni Cathedral is another significant historical site in the area. It is known to have been built on the site of a temple dedicated to the goddess Ceres and dates back to the 9th century. The cathedral has witnessed several important events in the history of the papacy, including the promulgation of the Concordat of Worms by Pope Callistus II in 1122 and the excommunication of the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa by Pope Alexander III in 1160.