A window overlooking Sabina

The scent of spring, the scent of walks through the villages

15/04/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

Around the characteristic Sabine villages: today we take you to Casperia and Roccantica

Spring brings wonderful colours and scents, so why not discover them in the Sabine villages, which seem to awaken from the winter slumber and almost want to embrace the visitor with their cobblestone walkways smoothened by time, the colourful flowers on balconies and porches, the aromas of a delicious traditional cuisine. A stroll through the villages, then? Yes, but as usual, we have some suggestions for you.

Let’s start with Roccantica.

Roccantica: history, nature and spirituality in a unique combination

It’s true that the polenta (cornmeal) festival is held in winter, but the fame of Roccantica is certainly not limited to just one season. And the frittello (pancakes) festival, we’re certain, will get anyone’s mouth watering in an instant, even health enthusiasts.

Aside from the culinary aspects, Roccantica’s attractions are quite ancient and rich in history: worth noting is the Church of San Valentino, a building whose origins are dated around 870 AD or the eighteenth-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo. Continue reading “The scent of spring, the scent of walks through the villages” →

The Santa Maria di Farfa Abbey. A place of worship, history and art

30/03/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

The Abbey of Farfa, our trip for today, seems to immediately impose peace and serenity to the visitor, with its majestic composure. Forty minutes by car separate the Residences of the Borgo di Cicignano from this treasure chest of art and history that rises in the hamlet of the same name in the municipality of Fara in Sabina, in the province of Rieti.

An ancient history

Today the small village of Farfa, which is called like the small river around which it rises, seems projected around its most famous and representative building, and it must be said that it has been so since its origins.

The Abbey was particularly important in its time from a political point of view. It was in the Benedictine Abbey of Farfa that Charlemagne was welcomed, on the journey that led him to Rome on Christmas night in 800 AD, where he was crowned emperor.
Continue reading “The Santa Maria di Farfa Abbey. A place of worship, history and art” →

In Sabina, Lazio, celebrations and festivals for all tastes!

15/03/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

Where there’s good food, you’ll find festivals. Imagine then in Sabina, where the bond with the earth is still solid, and as a result what the earth has to offer is celebrated. When, of course, the land itself decides.

The Leonessa Potato Festival, in October

This is what is clearly evident in the Leonessa Potato Festival, which takes place during the period of harvesting, as indicated by the regulations established by the Municipal Denomination mark of which the Leonessa tuber boasts, and therefore it is organized yearly in October.

The motto of the event, “Fritta, lessa, rescallata. Un piattu co’ li fiocchi: lu tartufu co’ li gnocchi” (Fried, boiled, rescallata. A dish will all the trimmings: truffles and gnocchi), reveals some of the dishes that can be tasted, ranging from French fries, the joy of children, adults and the elderly, to gnocchi sprinkled with local truffles to the ‘rescallata’, the divine potato sauté with Sabina DOP EVO olive oil, onion, and bacon strips.

About an hour and a half away from Cicignano, on a path that seems to follow the border between Umbria and Lazio, a paradise for food lovers: let’s not forget that potatoes are also the basic ingredient for delicious donuts.

An event not to be missed, a break from the relaxation of the countryside and the village of Cicignano, for an appointment awaited throughout Central Italy. Continue reading “In Sabina, Lazio, celebrations and festivals for all tastes!” →

E-bike: the Sabina routes on an electric bike

28/02/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

e-bike in Sabina: bici elettrica in Sabina

One of the strengths, perhaps the main charm of bicycles is constituted by fatigue, by a certain effort, beyond one’s limits, which allows us to achieve unexpected goals. An effort that keeps us in shape, and that gives us a fulfilling satisfaction. However, fatigue is not for everyone. Today, we’d like to talk not only to those of you who are a bit lazy, but also all those who would like to go cycling and sightseeing; to look around, and to reach places which, on foot, would be simply out of reach. So, yes we’re talking about an electric bike, better known as an e-bike, and where to use it to discover the Sabina area. The place of departure is of course, the Residenze del Borgo di Cicignano!

A little clarification

A little caveat here is necessary: e-bikes, electric bicycles, also known as pedal-assisted bicycles, are not mopeds. Their engine operates to assist the pedalling, hence their name, and therefore it will not be possible to travel without moving a muscle! It is thus necessary to understand well the nature of the route that you are going to face, and therefore a bicycle that is normally used in the city, in the home-office itinerary, risks not being appropriate on dirt trails. As a result, an e-MTB, an electric mountain bike may be necessary. Which, if at first glance, could represent a considerable initial expense, however it can also be rented. The destinations we are talking about today can also be used with this type of vehicle. Continue reading “E-bike: the Sabina routes on an electric bike” →

A stroll in Rieti: Ideas for a day in Sabina

15/02/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

The Residenze del Borgo di Cicignano are situated in an ideal location when it comes to discovering the Sabina and Reatino areas. So how can we not propose a visit to the capital, the Ombelicus Italiae, in Rieti? The charming and elegant beauty of the historic centre of Rieti amazes and enchants visitors, inspiring them to return soon.

Rieti, in the centre of Italy

That’s right. We are not only in Central Italy, we are literally in the centre of Italy. Both longitudinally and latitudinally, this traditional awareness is celebrated in a plaque placed in Piazza San Rufo. In the centre of the centre, we might say, where enjoying a delicious aperitif in company is practically a must. Or perhaps you prefer a stroll along the Velino River first?

In fact, Rieti is, above all, culture. Its history. Its river. Rieti rises along the Velino river, at the centre of the crossroads of the Ancient Roman’s salt trade, where, precisely because of the commercial trading, the Via Salaria was built. Walking on the Roman Bridge that allows to cross the river, we can see the remains of the ancient bridge on its bed; there is a serene nostalgia, in this slow flow that acts as a scenery, to distant eras that have left their traces. Continue reading “A stroll in Rieti: Ideas for a day in Sabina” →

How Covid has changed our lives

30/01/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

The rediscovery of small villages, slow experiential tourism and fleeing the cities not just for holidays

It has been since March 2020 that we are no longer the same, not just in Italy but, to a more or less similar extent, worldwide. No one can say they were not affected by the health emergency. It has entered our lives, changing them irreparably. No one can avoid dealing with Covid, neither from a health point of view nor from that of social consequences.

So, given the distancing rules and the doctors’ recommendations on the subject, it has been almost worrying to attend crowded places for a couple of years now.

Suddenly, the pleasant serenity of a walk in a village, the joyful composure of a forest in the hills, the tranquil silence of a rural environment have become even more attractive. This is why slow tourism has been rediscovered, which is, moreover, certainly not a novelty. Continue reading “How Covid has changed our lives” →

Searching for truffles in Sabina

15/01/2022 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

A precious local product, but also a fun activity

The Sabina area is full of truffles; a fragrant, tasty product from the woods that can fill, with its unmistakable olfactory notes, the kitchens of all mushroom enthusiasts. Not only seasoning, but also enhancing any dish.

What types of truffles are found in Sabina? And when?

Not all truffles are the same. There are valuable varieties, and less important and sought-after types on the market. The precious White and Precious Black variety for example, in the Reatino area, but also the Nero di Norcia truffle are among the most appreciated – the price per kilo, can range even above eight hundred euros.

A slightly ochre colour for the White, dark tending to black for the Black variety, both clearly distinguish themselves from the ‘hooked white’ and the ‘scorzone’, decidedly less interesting and with less particular properties. The harvest period is year-round, the only difference is the result of your search: the timespan between December and March offers greater satisfaction in terms of the value of the product found.
Continue reading “Searching for truffles in Sabina” →

The typical Sabina Christmas sweets, in the region of Lazio

30/12/2021 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

A small tour of Christmas in the Sabina area, which you won’t be able to say no!

After breathing in the essence of Christmas, and visiting Greccio, the place where the Nativity scene was born, it’s time you try tasting the local treats.

In Sabina, as is well-known, food is divine. And during Christmas you can taste the mastery the local housewives have to offer with recipes handed down for centuries, that form part of the family culture, with the scents and flavours that speak of Christmas. Made of simple ingredients, what little the farmers’ pantry could offer, and in which extra virgin olive oil occupied, and still occupies, a place of honour. So, let’s start our virtual tasting tour.

The ‘Nociata’, a symphony of honey and walnuts, flavoured with laurel

Let’s start with the ‘Nociata’, known, in some parts of the Sabina, as a ‘copeta’. Walnuts and honey are the only ingredients of this crunchy dessert. You need simply heat the honey in a saucepan, mix in the walnuts, lay them on a top and cut everything into pieces according to the shape you prefer. The ‘Nociata’ bar is then placed between two bay leaves, to give it a spicy note that makes it unique. It simply isn’t Christmas in Sabina without the ‘Nociata’.

Pangiallo, an ancient story

In our banquet, you cannot miss out on the ‘Pangiallo’. Perhaps, it is among the most famous desserts in this area, given the many variations in which it is made throughout Italy. The name probably derives from the colour of its surface, an amber yellow which is more or less light, due to it being brushed with eggs. Its colour, and roundish shape, had a ritual value in imperial Rome, when, during the winter solstice, this sort of focaccia was distributed to propitiate the return of the sun. History has given us back this delicious treat, today found on Christmas tables, made with flour, sugar, dried fruit, raisins and, in some variations, pieces of dark chocolate. A succulent sweet, which is also used today as a gift, no doubt maintaining that hint of good omen that characterized its origins.

‘Ciambellini’ (donuts), you just can’t stop eating them

Also known as “ciambellini di magro”, with their traditional circular shape, consisting of two flaps on top of each other, these sweets are simply irresistible. The sprinkling of sugar on top makes your mouth water, a joy for the eyes and the palate.

Extra VIRGIN OLIVE oil and wine are used in the same quantity, combined with sugar and flour. Dough which, if enriched with anise, leaves an unmistakable aftertaste, which is quite intense and aromatic.

Imagine yourself in the kitchen, fifteen minutes after baking the ‘ciambellini’ in the oven: you will be filled with an enveloping fragrance, reminiscent of home , traditions and values. A sin of gluttony, that is likely to be never-ending.

A stay in Sabina during Christmas, the most magical time of the year, can provide a fully satisfying experience: a walk through the Christmas markets, a visit to archaeological sites or medieval villages, a few tastings for those who are on a diet, binge eating in restaurants or farmhouses for food enthusiasts or excursions to nature reserves are just some ideas to fill your days. Fun, culture, spirituality, good food: Christmas in Sabina is this and much, much more.

Greccio, the Sabine village where the nativity scene was born

15/12/2021 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

The village that is an absolute must visit during your Christmas holidays in Sabina

If Christmas is something more for you than just a simple rush to buy gifts and sweets to put under the classic plastic tree, if Christmas is the feast of love, family, mutual respect, then there’s a place in Sabina that will allow you to take in the true essence of this celebration, to go beyond an exclusively consumerist mentality: you may wish to take into consideration Greccio, in the province of Rieti, the village where the nativity scene was born.

Saint Francis and his pilgrimages in Sabina

The Reatina Valley is often called the Holy Valley because here St. Francis, during his pilgrimages, left tangible signs of his passage: to date, the four Franciscan sanctuaries of Poggio Bustone, Greccio, Fonte Colombo and Santa Maria alla Foresta, coincidentally united on the map by an ideal cross, are a constant pilgrimage destination, given the link with the Patron Saint of Italy and his biography. Among these, the best known is certainly that of Greccio, which owes much of its fame to having been the setting of the first depiction of the Nativity in history. Continue reading “Greccio, the Sabine village where the nativity scene was born” →

The Christmas markets in Sabina, Lazio. Santa Claus is waiting for you in the Sabine villages

03/12/2021 | The Borgo di Cicignano Residences

The origins of the tradition of Christmas markets

The tradition of the Christmas market, rather new to Italy, was born in the distant fifteenth century in Germany, in Dresden, where the first Christmas Market was inaugurated in 1434. The origins are to be found in domestic, artisanal works, which in Northern Europe were made in the warmth of the houses during winter, unable to work in the fields due to the cold, along with the custom of giving gifts at Christmas: thus the so-called Striezelmarkt, later Christkindlmarkt, spread like wildfire, and in the twentieth century it also arrived in Alto Adige and from there to all of Italy.

Christmas holidays in Sabina, snow and Christmas markets near Rome

The Residenze del Borgo di Cicignano offer a unique location to spend the Christmas holidays. The glimpse of the snow-capped mountains in the surroundings, which almost seem to embrace this medium hill, transports you to an enchanted atmosphere. And the Christmas atmosphere, lively and cheerful, of the Christmas markets, is perhaps less spiritual, but quite a bit of fun and in full harmony with what Christmas represents for many families: the joy of being together, the pleasure of finding small gifts for loved ones that will make them smile. Yes, but where do we find the Christmas markets in Sabina? Continue reading “The Christmas markets in Sabina, Lazio. Santa Claus is waiting for you in the Sabine villages” →