In a work written in 27 AD, Pliny the Elder speaks of "Fiugi inter collium Ernicorum acquam saluberrimam...". The merits of the waters of this ancient district set in the heart of the Ciociaria were well noted by the ancients and since then generations of visitors have drunk from these springs, in search of the extraordinary benefits that they have offered for over two thousand years. The first accounts of Fiuggi date back to the 11th century, when it was also known as Anticoli di Campagna. The decision to change name was made nine centuries later by the town councillor Pietro Martini and supported by another councillor, Enrico Ludovici. In 1911, the request having been approved, the name change was authorised. Since ancient times "Frugi" has been used to indicate the locality where water spouts. This is an area rich in chestnuts, and where lavish ferns grow in the woods, which in the local dialect are called "feuci" or "frugi".
Walk along the streets of this splendid medieval town and encounter its main artistic and architectural treasures. These include the church of San Biagio, built around 1100 and later remodelled in Baroque style, with its two beautiful paintings, G. Cesari's "Madonna on the throne", G.B. Speranza's depiction of San Lorenzo baptising San Biagio, and a thirteenth-century fresco depicting the Madonna with child. Also of interest are the church of Santa Chiara, also known as San Domenico di Cocullo, the Porta della Portella, the church of San Pietro Apostolo and the Cappella dei Cappuccini, 2.5 km away from Fiuggi on the road which leads to the high plains of Arcinazzo, a fascinating and pleasant place. Also interesting are the buildings which date from the 1900s, in particular those in Art Nouveau style such as the Villino Breda in the historic centre and the area called the Zona Villini.
The buildings designed by the architect Garibaldi Burba are remarkable, such as the Chiesa Regina Pacis, the Fonte Bonifacio VIII and the Grande Albergo Palazzo della Fonte, considered one of the most prestigious in Europe.
Throughout the year Fiuggi has a rich cultural and artistic life, and this reaches its peak during the summer season. There are all kinds of performances with big national and international names which take place between the Piazza del Borgo and the PalaTerme. For those who prefer more classical forms of entertainment, there is the Festival Enrico Simbruino, and various theatre programmes, such as that of Café du Parc.