Collalto Sabino
Welcome to Collalto Sabino!
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover Collalto Sabino with me? This small town in the province of Rieti, in Lazio, has only 391 inhabitants and is located on a mountainous ridge southeast of Lake Turano, on the border with Abruzzo. Its location makes it truly suggestive and charming.
From geography to climate
The territory of Collalto Sabino is composed of the villages of Ricetto and San Lorenzo and is part of the historical-geographical region of Sabina, included in the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia nature reserve. The altitude ranges from 554 to 1149 meters, for an average altitude of 980 meters.
The municipality borders other towns such as Carsoli, Collegiove, Marcetelli, Nespolo, Turania, and Pescorocchiano, located between Marsica, the Turano valley, and the high valley of the Salto. The climate of Collalto Sabino falls within zone F with a climatic classification of 3148 GR/G.
A brief history of Collalto Sabino
The history of the village of Collalto is ancient and interesting, dating back to the Lombard era when they ruled the duchies of Spoleto and Benevento in central and southern Italy. In the 10th century, the area was the seat of a gastaldato and in the 11th century became the property of the Abbey of Farfa, which established its own Benedictine monastery there.
Later, the village was transferred to the Berardi family of the County of the Marsi, but with the obligation to pay an annual fee to the local religious community. The strategic position of Collalto Sabino, located on the border between the Papal State and the Norman Kingdom of Naples, made it an important strategic point.
The village enjoyed greater autonomy from the large territorial possessions that surrounded it, enjoying the right to mint coins and to expand the existing fortifications with the construction of a castle. Over the centuries, the village was a baronial fiefdom of various Italian and international noble families.
During the Risorgimento period, precisely in 1861, the castle and the village of Collalto Sabino suffered a bloody assault by a large band of brigands made up of defeated Bourbon soldiers led by Francesco Luvarà, units of the Papal army, and common criminals led by Chiavone.
Tourist activities
Today, Collalto Sabino is an ideal tourist destination for those who love nature and culture. The municipality is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, from mountains to lakes, from parks to valleys. One of the main tourist attractions is undoubtedly the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Natural Reserve. Outdoor activities include trekking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and much more.
The historic village of Collalto Sabino is framed by ancient walls and small cobbled streets, which tell the story of the village over the centuries. In the historic center, you can visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 18th century, and the Berardi Palace, dating back to the 15th century and now the seat of the Municipality.
The village of San Lorenzo is another interesting destination for those who want to discover the beauties of Collalto Sabino. Here, you can visit the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo, dating back to the 12th century, with a beautiful stone portal and frescoes.
Food and traditions
The cuisine of Collalto Sabino reflects the traditions of Sabina, with simple but tasty dishes. Among the typical dishes of the area are braciola with mushrooms, tasty sausage, bread with olive oil, and polenta. There are also desserts, including the Sabino donut, a donut-shaped sweet covered with sugar.
The traditions of the village are still deeply rooted in the lives of its inhabitants. Carnival, where they parade in masks through the streets of the village, and the celebration of the patron saint, San Giovanni Battista, on June 24th, with a procession and fireworks, remain very heartfelt.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Collalto Sabino is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and relaxation in contact with nature and history. The town, still little known, represents a real gem of Lazio, rich in charm and history. I hope that this brief virtual journey through its beauties has stimulated your curiosity and interest in getting to know this small Italian pearl. Thank you for reading!
