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.
We should also highlight the beautiful area surrounding Roccantica. In fact, for trekking enthusiasts, distant roughly a thirty-minute walk from the village centre, stands solemnly the San Leonardo Hermitage. Dating back, approximately, to a period between the eighth and ninth centuries, it appears framed by overflowing nature. On the same trail is the naturalistic path that leads to the Revotano, a large karstic cavity, a sort of great abyss where legend has it, between history and myth, that the first settlement of Roccantica had risen.
Interesting ideas for trekkers, of course, but let’s not forget the free climbing enthusiasts who here, near the fascinating hermitage, will find cliffs equipped to dedicate themselves to their favourite hobby.
Casperia: a rock jewel
Less than ten minutes by car from Roccantica, the province of Rieti offers tourists another pearl, a jewel made of white stone, Casperia, the ancient Aspra Sabina, mentioned by Virgil in Aeneid.
This village, which is shaped like an “onion bulb”, with its circular shape that seen from the bottom seems to open upwards, allows for a lot of walking. Strictly no cars allowed.
Casperia’s charm has also impressed the Italian Touring Club, which has awarded it, continuing to confirm its verdict, the orange flag. This recognition is given to hinterland villages, who know how to enhance their cultural offer, offering a slow and sustainable tourism experience, and who know how to keep their identity alive. Casperia is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and this time it’s not just us that says so!
The walk starts from Porta Romana and, along the walls still perfectly visible which date back to 1200, we reach Porta Santa Maria. The view is lost between the ancient buildings, Santissima Annunziata, and Palazzo Forani, both dating back to the seventeenth century, and the surrounding landscape, where the Monte Soratte and the Monti Sabini stand out. An incredible view that is a gift from Nature.
How to reach Casperia and Roccantica
The Residenze del Borgo di Cicignano allow you to reach Casperia and Roccantica in just thirty minutes by car. A trip that winds along the Strada Regionale 313. Intrigued? We really hope so.
You can contact us for further advice and guidance with regard to organizing your stay in Sabina during the season that perhaps has the most to offer, spring. One of your first destinations will no doubt be Casperia and Roccantica.
