Corvaro
Corvaro: a small gem in the heart of Lazio
Corvaro is a hamlet located in the municipality of Borgorose, in the province of Rieti, in Lazio. With its approximately 1,350 inhabitants, it is the most populous hamlet of the municipality of Borgorose.
Physical geography
Corvaro is situated in the high Cicolano, at 842 meters above sea level, at the foot of the mountain group of Montagne della Duchessa, in the protected area of the Montagne della Duchessa regional reserve. Its geographical position makes it an ideal place for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by mountains and forests. The territory north of Corvaro marks the boundary between Lazio and Abruzzo, while to the south it borders with the territories of Spedino and Torano, to the west with the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Corvaro and with Borgorose, and to the east with the lake of the Duchessa.
History
The territory of Corvaro has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and an ancient settlement has been found on Mount Frontino, overlooking the village of Corvaro. This settlement has been identified with the ancient city of Lista, conquered by the Sabines from Amiternum. The village of Corvaro developed during the 11th century around the medieval castle, which was built in a dominant position over the urban nucleus and the valleys below. Its strategic position favored the defensive military activities carried out following the numerous raids of the Saracens in southern Italy and also throughout the Sabine region from the year 846. The antipope Nicholas V probably was born in Corvaro in the 13th century.
In the 14th century, the castle was included among those controlled by the county of Albe in Marsica. Later on, the territory was at the center of the conflicts between the Camponeschi and the Pretatti, with the latter condemned to abandon any desire for power. In the 15th century, the Sovereign of Naples Ladislaus I of Naples instituted the county of Corvaro, which controlled the castles of Collefegato, Poggiovalle, Castelmenardo together with some properties of Castiglione, near the contemporary hamlet of Collemaggiore, Mount Odorisio, and the Maleto valley.
What to visit in Corvaro
Corvaro is an ideal place for nature lovers and those who want to discover the history of this hamlet. Below are the main tourist attractions of Corvaro:
The Castle
The Castle of Corvaro is one of the main places of interest of the hamlet. It was built in a dominant position over the urban nucleus and the valleys below during the 11th century, during the period of castellation. The structure was originally tasked with defending the territory from the raids of the Saracens in southern Italy and also throughout the Sabine region from the year 846. Today, the Castle is one of the most important historical monuments of the territory of Corvaro.
The Medieval Village
The Medieval Village of Corvaro dates back to the 11th century. It winds around the Castle and is characterized by narrow alleys and stone houses. The historic center has recently been restored and is a very suggestive place to visit.
The Fortified Oppidum
The Fortified Oppidum is located on Mount Frontino, overlooking the village of Corvaro. It is an ancient fortified city with the remains of a double polygonal wall, arranged on terraces and preserved for a circumference length of about 1 km. This settlement has been identified with the ancient city of Lista (ancient city), mother city of the Aborigines (mythology), which stood just 4.2 kilometers from Tora (ancient city) (Santa Anatolia (Borgorose)).
The Duchessa Lake
The Duchessa Lake is an ideal place to spend a day immersed in nature. It is located to the east of Corvaro and is surrounded by green forests and mountains. Here it is possible to fish, have a picnic, or simply take a walk breathing pure air.
Events in Corvaro
Several events take place in Corvaro throughout the year. Below are the main ones:
Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel
The Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel takes place on September 29th each year and is one of the most important festivals of the hamlet. During the festival, you can taste the typical dishes of the territory, dance traditional music, and witness the procession in honor of the saint.
The Gnocco Festival
The Gnocco Festival takes place every year in July. During the festival, you can taste homemade gnocchi and typical dishes of the local tradition.
How to reach Corvaro
Corvaro is easily reachable by car. It is about 3 kilometers from the municipal capital of Borgorose. Alternatively, you can take the train to the Borgorose station and from there take a bus that leads directly to Corvaro.
