SABINA HILL

Just Around the Corner: THE UNDISCOVERED SABINE HILLS
Sixty km north of Rome lies an undiscovered corner of northern Lazio, Sabina or the Sabine Hills, a fascinating territory, from where the ancient Romans took their brides in the legendary: '”Rape of the Sabine women” . The area is easily accessible from Rome and makes a perfect getaway for a weekend or mid week break from the hustle of the city or a great wind down stop after traveling through Italy. For travelers who seek the untouristy, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, this route from Rome through Sabina and eventually on to Umbria will offer splendid scenery, tranquil roads, rolling olive -lad hills dotted with tiny medieval hilltop villages, and small hidden treasures to discover and savour.

The territory of the Sabine hills, perhaps more than any other area of central Italy, has preserved its original rural character. Rieti, capital of the province, marks the very center of the region, and is one of the least populated in Italy, notwithstanding its vicinity to Rome. The countryside explodes with color in spring and summer, with yellow broom and fields of sunflowers, as well as the green olive trees, which produce one of Italy's finest extra virgin olive oils with its DOP recognition. Many of the farms have been honored with prestigious annual awards. The oldest olive tree in Europe, two thousand years old, with a trunk measuring 7 meters in circumference, is one of the natural treasures of Sabina.

A surprising number of small hilltop villages remain unspoiled and authentic and although there are no “name brand” monuments, apart from the magnificent Farfa Abbey, and very few mentions in guide books, the area is steeped in history and medieval architecture. The Sabine hills offer the visitor a relaxing getaway, the chance to discover some of Italy's minor and secret treasures, meet local people in authentic surroundings, and savour the slower pace of life with traffic-free panoramic roads and plenty of silence.

Casperia is a fortified medieval village atop a rocky hill. Surrounded by mountains and deep valleys, the village commands a wonderful view of the Umbrian Latium Appenines. Peering over the medieval walls at the inspiring landscape of the Tiber Valley, time seems to have stood still. The village is entirely pedestrian and the winding streets and alleyways create a labyrinth.
The walls were built for the original castrum in the year 1000 while the outer walls south of the village were added in 1283, preserving the walkways which were for the watch as well as towers, some containing houses which were built into the walls. Thus Aspra, the original name of the village, was made impregnable during the times of invasion. The Renaissance church
outside the walls, built entirely in brick, houses a painting of the Annunciation, a masterpiece by Sassoferrato, while the 13th century church at the top of the village, San Giovanni Battista, houses a prize-winning Christmas crèche created entirely by a local artisan, who continues to add to his creation, working from his nearby bottega.
Casperia is a fortified medieval village atop a rocky hill. Surrounded by mountains and deep valleys, the village commands a wonderful view of the Umbrian Latium Appenines. Peering over the medieval walls at the inspiring landscape of the Tiber Valley, time seems to have stood still. The village is entirely pedestrian and the winding streets and alleyways create a labyrinth.
The walls were built for the original castrum in the year 1000 while the outer walls south of the village were added in 1283, preserving the walkways which were for the watch as well as towers, some containing houses which were built into the walls. Thus Aspra, the original name of the village, was made impregnable during the times of invasion. The Renaissance church
outside the walls, built entirely in brick, houses a painting of the Annunciation, a masterpiece by Sassoferrato, while the 13th century church at the top of the village, San Giovanni Battista, houses a prize-winning Christmas crèche created entirely by a local artisan, who continues to add to his creation, working from his nearby bottega.