Why is the Sabine area one of the least known in Italy? It has a spectacular landscape characterized by rolling hills dotted with olive groves, medieval villages and ancient watch towers that dominate hilltops views. The slopes are covered with dense vegetation with hidden caves and hermitages, once the destination of pilgrimages where ancient frescoes and Roman villa ruins can still be admired. The green Sabine valleys bear witness to a time in history that began long before the advent of Rome, created after the infamous Rape of the Sabine (Sabinae raptae). The fields, farms, orchards and pastures, forests and rocky hills provide a neverending list of natural products ranging from wild asparagus, nettles, chicory and hops, porcini mushrooms and other species (such as catinari), aromatic mint, pigs, tender and tasty Chianina meat and wild boar. All this produce is featured in the rustic but tasty cuisine which is celebrated around the territory in numerous festivals. The precious extra virgin DOP Sabino olive oil harmonizes all these ingredients. This excellent product was the first in Italy to receive the DOP classification and was highly sung in ancient times by the greek physician Galeno.
SABINA, RECORD HOLDING TERRITORY
The Sabine is a magnific retreat just one hour away from the noisy capital. This is an area of great natural beauty and it holds an interesting record list. One of its most important religious sites is the medieval Abbey of Santa Maria di Farfa in the Fara in Sabina valley. Charlemagne was guest of the Abbot in year 800 and today we can still see the porphyry stone on which the king's throne was placed. On the back wall of the church there is a fresco which illustrates Judgement Day and it is said to be the largest fresco of its kind in the world (an oil painting on the wall). L'Ulivone of Canneto should be mentioned because it is believed to be the largest olive tree in Europe. A few kilometers away, there is another record olive tree, U Livò, which is thought to be about 3000 years old, and the circumference of its trunk is 12,5 m. The first Nativity Crib, a symbol of Christmas in many homes around the world, has its origins in a live reconstruction desired by St. Francis in Greccio in the Rieti Valley - once considered the primitive land of the Sabine people. One of the largest permanent Nativities in central Italy is in the old oratory of San Giovanni Battista in Casperia.
There are many reasons for which wealthy ancient Romans chose the Sabine to build their villas: the proximity to Rome, the agricultural potential - first and foremost the olive oil - and the beauty of the Sabine territory. In fact, as you travel along the winding roads of rural Sabine anywhere you look you can admire beautiful views. The sunsets are particularly photogenic especially those behind Mount Soratte which are truly spectacular. The Sabine is characterized by its wild landscape which still today is appreciated by visitors. The contact with nature is one of the most fascinating and engaging experiences: the Sabine Mountains, Prati di Cottanello, Gorges of Farfa, the Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve offer these opportunities, including tranquility, adventure and wonder.
There is a wide range of accommodation types for tourists: farmhouses, B&Bs, historical homes and flats in the villages. There is also a wide selection of food. Here in the Sabine there are countless restaurants and eateries where you can taste delicacies made with local ingredients. Starting from the appetizers, to the first and second courses which can be simple dishes of beans and bacon, homemade ravioli, tasty macaroni fezze or stringozzi, a second course of grilled pork ribs seasoned with a pinch of salt and delicious Sabine olive oil. The local cuisine is a real treat to remember. With its culture and typical Italian cooking the Sabine has relaxing, authentic and unique experiences to offer.