Montopoli di Sabina, also know in a rather teasing way as the place of the Corsari - Corsairs, is one of the many Sabine settlements renowned for its excellent olive oil and the high quality of the nectar produced from the pressing of its grapes. These traditions date back to the times f Numa Pompilio, a son of these lands and Rome's second king.

Its position atop of a lone hill gives it magnificent 360° degree views over the whole of the surrounding countryside, where beauty mingles with history.

Its inhabitants are teased by their neighbours who refer to them in the local jargon as Corsari, which in Italian can mean Corsairs. They like to think that the name derives from the proud, brave and tenacious character of their ancestors but the real reason is much more prosaic. The explanation as to its origins was found in a two hundred year old manuscript that states that the nickname stemmed from the fact that in antiquity the Montopolesi used to breed ferocious Corsican Mastiffs that they used to defend their properties and themselves and employed them even in battle. The dogs would be sent to attack the enemy lines so as to cause confusion before launching an attack. The name therefore derives from Corsican, been that the origin of the dogs and not from Corsairs!   

The hamlet has all the characteristics of an ancient Sabine borough, a combination of narrow streets, piazzas, little alleys and stairs spread out covering a hill top. Entrance is through the Porta Romana or Porta Maggiore as it is also called. The portal is in an elegant Renaissance style as is the opposite facing Palazzo Orsini. The main square known as Piazza Comunale, following the layout of the village has a triangular shape. In the middle is an elegant octagonal fountain.

On the highest point rises the oldest building, the massive Torre Ugonesca, built by Abbot Ugo of Farfa at the turn of the first Millennium. Other attractions are the Piazza Campo di Fiori and the ancient Palazzo della Signoria, now known as Palazzo Felici, which looks onto the little Piazzetta Montecavallo, where the three original streets of the village; the Via Pacifica, the Via San Bonaventura and the Via Colonna meet.  

In the heart of Sabina is a little town where its people have managed to maintain the culture and traditions of a long gone time.

Montopoli di Sabina: the village of Corsari

Around Montopoli di Sabina: Sabina On recommends