Rocca in Italian means a high fortified stronghold, a place of refuge, somewhat like a small castle.
Today, high up on Monte Petrino, a mountain which overlooks the small town of Mondragone, lie the ruins of an ancient Rocca which was named Rocca del Dragone by the Normans during the Middle Ages. The Rocca probably got its name originally from its proximity to the town – Mondragone.