historical sites
The saying “Sabina - Mother of Rome” sums up the essence of this area that has been neglected for so long.
Sabine history begins long before Rome was born even though the Sabine then followed the events of the Eternal City. The ancient Romans took shelter here and exploited the resources for commerce.
In the Middle Ages important baronial families disputed fiefdoms, mirroring Rome's internal battles for control of the Senate and of the Papacy. Important families of the Renaissance transformed the medieval fortresses in luxurious summer homes.
Casperia is one of those extraordinary places where the transition from rural culture to urban industrial culture left no negative influences.
The historical center can be accessed from multiple archways and is an wonderful example of medieval architecture. It enclosed by the walls which were erected in 1282.
The houses stand along narrow streets and up winding staircases that lead to the square to the Church of San Giovanni Battista (John the Baptist) .
​
A visit to Casperia is a must because it is one of the few well-kept villages of the Sabine.
You can access the village from different archways:Porta Romana, Porta Reatina and Porta Santa Maria. The roads gradually become narrower due to the unusual spiral layout as you procede into the village.
It's fascinating to walk along these many narrow streets that open onto squares. As you reach Piazza San Giovanni Battista you can visit the church of the same name and see the Monumental Nativity, which reproduces the Nativity in this Sabine town. You can also visit various different workshops. At the end of our itinerary you can stop at Osteria Vigna for a drink at sunset in Piazza Umberto I.
The twin fortresses of Rocchette and Rocchettine were built in the thirteenth century in the heart of the Sabine territory for protection of the important area that connected Rieti with the Tiber Valley. Over time Rocchette became a rural center, while Rocchettine was gradually abandoned.
​
As you arrive at the village of Rocchette there is a seventeenth-century wooden gateway that accesses an alley which leads to the top of the village. Note the imposing walls that are now englobed as part of the village. Stop and admire the views onto Rochettine through the alleyways along the way. Here time seems to stand still. As you leave Rocchette you can either walk or drive along the road that runs to the right of the old wash house that is still used by the women of Rocchette today.
Once you get to the castle you can see the distinctive hallmarks of the ancient castrum: the round tower, the butresses and corbels, the arrowloops. On entering walk along the path that leads to the internal buildings and past the church of San Lorenzo (18th century). Some of the dwellings were abbandoned last century.
Rocchettine castle
How to get here
Torri in Sabina, via Rocchette
The villa was discovered in 1968 in the hamlet of Collesecco (Cottaello) and belonged to Aurelii Cottae dynasty that gave Rome some of its more important senators. Even though the whole layout of the villa (700mq) has been discovered only a portion has actually been excavated. The villa was built following different techniques from different eras:: the first part was built between the second and the first century B.C. (Characterized by OPUS INCERTUM), the second part between the end of the first century B.C. and the first half of the first century. A.D. with a fundamental change in the layout system.
​
The tour is authorized only with a tour guide (ITA/ENG): Monica +39 338 1952548
The Villa is in a typical "domus ad atrio" (tuscanic type) with many different areas layed out on an axis and all connected by corridors: a portico, a peristyle (with columns), triclinium, cubicula and service areas as well as a large thermal area. There are many highly decorated rooms which can be seen in the mosaic floors. The distinctive pink marble that was used came from from local quarries mainly Cottanello.
Villa Cotta
How to get here
Cottanello, via Collesecco
​
Guided tours
Monica: +39 338 19 52 548
This villa was built in the second century A.D. Historians have identified it as the villa of Terenzio Varrone. The mosaics, marbles and polychrome frescos are evidence of a villa of great luxury.
History points to Marcus Aurelius's daughter Lucilla as the instigator for the construction of these baths. They are laid out in terraces and you can still see the reticulate walls. It has many underground passages and the view is exceptional.
​
This enormous villa of rare beauty was given to Horatio by his good friend Maecenas.
The Casoni
How to get here
Montopoli di Sabina, via Efisina
​
Lucilla baths
How to get here
Poggio Mirteto, via Efisina
​
Horatio's villa
How to get here
Vacone, via Marchesa Augusta
​
