Whether this is your first or your 20th visit to Lazio, there are so many places of interest that you could go back time and time again and still leave the surface unscratched. If you like to plan things in advance then nothing beats a good guidebook - although the area of Sabina still seems to remain undiscovered. Here we just dip into a few places in Lazio that you may find interesting to visit when you're on holiday. Well be adding more as we get the time to do so but if you have any hints or tips, or have discovered something you think others would be interested in, we would love to hear from you.
--- B ---
Lake Bolsena - A natural oasis for migratory and non-migratory birds such as coots, tufted ducks, mallards, great-crested grebes, loons and seagull colonies, the Bolsena is also called the peasant lake because of the tilled fields all around it. Its abundant fish-life numbers various species including the extremely tasty whitefish, eels, pike, perch, trout and whitebait, a small fish typically used for frying. Environmentally fascinating, the Bolsena lake is rendered even more authentic by the cordial hospitality of its people, together with the opportunity to practise water sports or bask in the relaxing sun. Thanks to its public water transport, with landings both in Bolsena and Capodimonte, visitors can circumnavigate the lake and its islands with guided tours over the extraordinary Bisentina island, a natural, botanic garden bearing witness to its grandiose papal history under the Farnese family, counselled and assisted by their favourite architect and engineer Antonio da Sangallo.
--- C
Casperia Sitting in a more mountainous area of Sabina, Casperia is an excellent location for hiking and walking. The winding Medieval streets of the village are perfect to explore on foot with certain parts being off limits to cars. The village walls were built in around 1280 with much of them being intact to this day. The village has a variety of pizzerias and trattorias where you can sample dishes typical to Casperia and fine wines.
Catino - A pentagonal tower over twenty meters high dominates the ruins of the Castle of Catino.
Civita di Bagnoregio - The ultimate hill town experience, and not to be missed, is located just beyond Bagnoregio, southeast of Bolsena and almost due south of Orvieto. This picturesque hamlet can only be reached on foot or by vespa across a man-made causeway spanning a gorge.
Collato Sabino - Another magnificent castle recently restored to its ancient beauty is located in Collalto Sabino. In the XVII century when owned by the noble Roman family Barberini the castle has been enriched with precious marbles mosaics paintings and stems representing golden bees symbol of the family. All this was destroyed throughout the centuries.
Cotilia - Today's thermal baths of Cotilia are close to the ruins of Vespasians.
--- G ---
Greccio - In the surroundings of Rieti lies Greccio a small town with a Franciscan monastery here St. Francis created the first ever Christmas crib and a real life nativity scene is re-enacted every year.
Gastronomic specialities - The Sabina region has a rich culinary heritage and has been famous since the ancient Roman times for the quality of its olive oil. Genuine Sabine dishes which are exalted by the extra virgin olive oil meet the most demanding tastes. This is where the world famous "spaghetti all'amatriciana" bacon onion olive oil tomatoes salt bucatini pasta pecorino cheese were born. The tradition proposes "bruschetta" grilled bread olive oil salt garlic the "spaghetti alla carbonara bacon eggs olive oil spaghetti pecorino cheese" the "stracciatelle in brodo" eggs parmesan breadcrumbs olive oil chicken broth the abbacchio in guazzetto trouts and shrimps from the many streams and lakes in the area. Desserts like the Nociata honey chopped walnuts served with Bay leaves.
--- F ---
Farfa Abbey - Once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in Europe, the abbey played a major role in the power struggles between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, opposing the power of the Papacy for centuries. It was also a centre of great cultural splendour and throughout the Middle Ages its library of precious manuscripts was one of the most famous in Europe.
1. Visit the Church of Santa Maria its crypt and cloisters. Inside the church, on the interior wall of the facade, see the Last Judgement an oil fresco dating back to 1571 by the Flemish Pinter Henrik van der Broek. See as well other interesting frescos by Orazio Gentileschi and Zuccari school, fine grotesque decorations and the mosaic floor.
2. Important art works archeological pieces 45.000 antique volumes and engravings are gathered at the monumental abbey complex.
3. The workshops of the village fair around the Abbey, famous during the Renaissance, have been brought back to life by artisans and merchants giving the town its characteristic atmosphere.
Franciscan Sanctuaries - St. Francis of Assisi was attracted by the Sabina above all other parts of Italy. The Sabina hills saw the first Franciscan preaching and the religious prayer that Francis addressed to God from the wildest and most inaccessible natural surroundings. The area still preserves four sanctuaries, which are a widespread evidence of the presence of the Saint during the early part of his life.
1. Greccio, a convent complex and where you find the first monks dormitory, kitchen, refectory and the cell where Francis slept on bare rock immersed in a forest of ilex trees on the site of a mountain. At Christmas 1223 Francis set up here the first Christmas creche using human figures and live animals.
2. Fonte Colombo, a convent complex consisting of the church of saints Francis and Bernardine, the church of St. Francis hermitage and the Sacro Speco Holy Cave, a natural cave where Francis had the vision of Christ that confirmed the strict Rule of the Franciscan Order in 1223.
3. Poggio Bustone, a convent complex consisting in the convent of St. Giacomo cloister refectory with frescos the Speco cave inhabited by Francis and the hermitage on the site of a mountain.
4. La Foresta, a convent complex consisting of the church of St. Fabiano with frescos dating from the 15th century, the church of S. Maria, the convent with the refectory in which Francis is said to have performed the miracle of the wine and the cave where the Saint stayed in solitude and composed the Canticle of Creation, a song of love for creation in 1225.
Forum Novum - The archaeological site, which today is called Vescovo, preserves the remains of Roman houses near ground surface while remains of huge funerary monuments can be seen all around. Apart from the market itself, occasional survey digs have brought to light the location of the forum, the basilica and a temple.
--- M
Magliano Sabina - The hilltop town sits above a picturesque valley. The Archaeological Museum houses artefacts which span from the prehistoric to the Renaissance and Roman periods. The town has a selection of shops and restaurants situated in the centre, along with cafes within which to watch the world go by with a coffee. The area surrounding Magliano Sabina also produces fantastic wines and olive oil.
Montefiascone - This well-know tourist spot, situated at 640 ms above sea-level, offers to its visitors a breath-taking view stretching 360 degrees as far as the Tyrrenean sea, ranging over nearby Tuscany, the Apennines and Viterbo at the foot of the Cimini mountains. Famous for its home-grown wine Est! Est! Est!, Montefiascone sets aside for this product, from 1-15 August a variety of festivals, all unique and with a wealth of typical folklore.
Monteleone Sabino - The church of Santa Vittoria located in Monteleone Sabino was built using materials from buildings from the ancient Roman town of Trebula Mutuesca. The church houses the tomb of the martyr St. Vittoria and is built over the structure of a pagan temple dedicated to Juno Feronia. Other important churches which were built or renovated in Romanesque style can be found in Fianello, Magliano Sabina, Montebuono, Poggio Mirteto and in Tarano.
Marmore Falls and Naturalistic Itineraries - The Marmore falls, the highest in Europe are located at the border with Umbria and the pretty lake Piediluco with the charming Castle of Labro.
--- O ---
Orvieto - A small city of great antiquity and so ancient that its early history is uncertain. It occupies a slowly crumbling butte of volcanic tufa riddled with hundreds of caves, wells and tunnels of every period from Etruscan through Medieval to 17th century and later. The city is slowly crumbling away, as are many such hills in the area - the most notable of which is nearby Civita di Bagnoreggio - and is constantly maintained and shored up by massive engineering works.
Orvieto is known worldwide for one principal monument, the great glory of the city and a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art, The Duomo. The basic building is quite sober, constructed of bands of black and white stone, but a most extraordinary facade has been applied to the front: bronze dragons, gables with mosaics resplendent in gold and a marvellous shirt-front of marble bas-reliefs by Lorenzo Maitani. Similarly, the interior is very sober except for one large chapel entirely covered in dramatic frescoes by Luca Signorelli, famous in their own right but also the chief inspiration for Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
--- P
Parco dei Monstri - At the foot of Bomarzo is a 15th century theme park created by the totally weird Duke of Orsino. With grotesque stone sculptures - huge diabolical creatures over two stories high, a leaning house, sphinxes, a decapitated Amazon, and the enormous Mouth of Hell - the surreal nightmarish tableaux make for an experience that is strange and strangely fascinating, but which both adults and children love.
Pitigliano - The approach to Pitigliano, in particular from the road coming up from Manciano and Rome, is one of the most spectacular sights anywhere in Italy. Rounding the last curve you are confronted by a wall of medieval stone houses that seem carved out of the tufa rock cliffs on which the town rests. Although red roofs turrets and towers mark Pitigliano as medieval the many primitive burial caves hollowed out of its underlying cliffs make clear that man has made his home here since prehistoric times.
Poggio Mirteto Situated northeast of Rome the comune is set by the River Tevere in a beautiful landscape of open pastures, olives grove and vineyards. There is a railway station with good transport links to Rome which is perfect for day trips to the city. The comune has a selection of shops and restaurants to enjoy. The medieval monastery of Farfa Abbey is also situated close to Poggio Mirteto and is well worth a visit.
--- R ---
Rome - Known as the Eternal City for good reason Rome is a fantastic place to explore with an abundance of things to see and do. Some of the most popular attractions are the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and The Spanish Steps. A trip to Rome isn't complete without seeing the impressive St Peters Basilica and witnessing its staggering size in person. The city has a variety of restaurants, family run trattorias and cafes to unwind in after a busy days sightseeing. To really appreciate all that Rome has to offer more than one visit is often needed.
Most of our Sabina properties are only an hour's drive from Rome, or for the faint hearted you can always take the train. The best way to see Rome is to WALK. Rome is a large city but in between bus or tram rides see as much as you can on foot. Rome is famous for its piazzas and fountains. The best way to see these is as a pedestrian. If you really don't fancy walking, you could a opt for an inexpensive tour of Rome's historical sites by:
a) taking the 2-hour trip on the number 110 bus from Termini station at 2.30 pm Monday through Saturday.
b) Ride the bus or tram. Rome offers a network of more than 200 bus and tram routes including 27 night bus routes.
c) Get an integrated Metrebus ticket which will allow you access to all the major modes of public transport within central Rome, with the exception of the airport link. You can get daily weekly or season tickets.
Rieti - Rieti occupies the geographical centre of Italy with a marble plaque in Piazza di San Rufo to prove it. The town reflects the touch of Roman city planners with its walls and the north-south axis on which all Roman cities and military camps were built. The city is surrounded by a circle of mighty medieval walls. The landscape is dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria and its Romanesque bell-tower, Palazzo Vescovile and its Gothic arches, remains of medieval tower houses and elegant Renaissance palaces. In Via Roma stands the 17th century Palazzo Vecchiarelli by Carlo Maderno and in Via Cintia Palazzo Vicentini attributed to Antonio Sangallo the Younger. There is a restaurant in Rieti whose walls reveal the foundations of an ancient temple and it is possible to visit the archeological remains under today's Via Roma, the Via Roma of 2000 years ago, which the ancient Romans walked and which lead to the bridge which crosses the River Velino - the original Roman bridge's remains still visible below the modern bridge.
The Reatine Valley - with its Franciscan sanctuaries, Farfa Abbey for centuries a witness to the power of the Roman Church, the Romanesque churches of Vescovio and Santa Vittoria, the archaeological sites and ancient Roman town of Trebula Mutuesca and Forum Novum as well as the national parks and the capital city Rieti are among the many attractions in Sabina. From here along pleasant country roads you can easily reach the lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena and in about an hour's drive, you can reach Orvieto, Spoleto or Assisi travelling if preferred along the minor roads through idyllic countryside.
Roccasinibalda - The imposing Castle of Roccasinibalda is the most significant example of military architecture in Upper Sabina for its dimensions and for its good conditions. The whole village is still shaped as a fortified hamlet by the typical medieval system. The fascination of this place encouraged throughout the centuries the belief in strange voices and mysterious apparitions.
Rocchettine - The Castle of Rocchettine XIII century was abandoned by its inhabitants fifty years ago and represents one of the most characteristic sights in Lower Sabina. The castle is surrounded by a green landscape and is separated from the village of Rocchette by a gorge shaped by the l'Aia stream.
Romanesque Churches - Vescovio The Church of S. Maria located in Vescovio the Episcopal Cathedral in XII century is one of the most celebrated monuments of the Sabina. It was built using materials taken from the ancient Roman town of Forum Novum. Visit the courtyard filled with remains of Roman sculpture and a beautifully decorated sarcophagus. Inside the Church are 11th century frescos by Roman artist Pietro Cavallini who took themes from both Byzantine traditions and Tuscan painting. Also of note are a 9th century pulpit and frescos, a beautiful crypt and a 14th century wood crucifix. Across the road are the ruins of an ancient Roman market where St. Peter is said to have stopped for refreshment.
--- T ---
Torri The town is situated in the province of Rieti in the Sabine mountains. The most notable landmark in Torri is the Santa Maria. The town has a few traditional restaurants.
--- V
Vatican City- The smallest country in the world nestled in the heart of Rome. Attracting millions of visitors each year Vatican City is home to the largest church in the world, St. Peters Basilica. Michelangelo designed the impressive main dome that oversees over the Eternal City. For those who are interested in art and antiquity the Vatican Museums house collections in everything from Renaissance paintings to Egyptian art. The main attraction however is the Sistine Chapel, artists Rosselli, Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Michelangelo all contributed to the chapel. It is recommended that you book as it can get particularly busy all year round.
Villa Lente in Bagnaia - Enjoy the magnificent view as you approach this superb formal garden, surmounted by a seemingly endless series of fountains with classical sculptures. A perfect place to spend a cool and pleasant afternoon.
Viterbo -Situated between Rome and the Tuscan Maremma Viterbo is set within volcanic landscapes and beautiful lakes. The Palazzo dei Papi is a must see in the ancient city, the palace hosted the papacy during the 13th century and also acted as a safe haven during turbulent times in Rome. The city also has a selection of weekly markets, restaurants and shops.
The diversity of the Viterbo province makes it a fantastic place for outdoor activities, hiking being a particularly popular pursuit.
