Contigliano
Welcome to Contigliano!
Hello and welcome to Contigliano! If you are looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to spend a few days relaxing, you have come to the right place! Located at the foot of the Sabine Mountains, this town of about 3759 inhabitants is only 7 km west of the provincial capital, Rieti.
Discovering Contigliano's Physical Geography
The town of Contigliano is located on a hill overlooking the end of the Cupa Valley, in the Rieti Valley. This area is classified as zone E, with an average annual precipitation of 2253 GR/G. If you love nature, here you will find a variety of hiking trails to explore, which will take you to discover breathtaking and picturesque views.
A Dip into Contigliano's History
The municipal territory of Contigliano is rich in historical artifacts that testify to a long occupation of the site dating back to the protohistoric period. In particular, in the locality of Montisola, there was a lakeside village inhabited from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, identified in the ancient island of Issa, which stood within the ancient Lake Velino, now drained.
The name Contigliano instead derives from the villa of Marco Fabio Quintiliano, a famous orator and rhetorician of the 1st century AD, who lived in his own ager Quintilianus. Over the centuries, the territory underwent various changes, until it took on its current appearance.
The Castrum Quintilianum
The Contigliano area was first mentioned in an 850 document from the Abbey of Farfa under the name Fundus or Locus Quintilianus. In 1157, Castrum Quintilianum was reported, a fortified center defended by walls, which depended on Rieti for its strategic position.
The Castrum was subjected to a violent attack in 1501 by the knight Vitellozzo Vitelli, who led a band of adventurers in the service of Pope Alexander VI. The army attacked Contigliano because the city had denied them provisions and because a woman had hit him with a large stone, slightly injuring him. The castle was assaulted and quickly gave way, causing the death of numerous citizens.
What to Do in Contigliano
Today, Contigliano is a peaceful and charming place, ideal for spending a few days relaxing away from the chaos of the city. You can admire the natural beauty of the area, discover the alleys of the historic center, visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista or the Civic and Ethnographic Museum. Every year, on the first Sunday of September, the traditional Fig Festival is held, dedicated to the typical fruit of the area.
Furthermore, if you are a hiking enthusiast, you can walk the trails of the Regional Natural Park of the Lucretili Mountains, which offer wonderful views. If you want to savor the local cuisine, you can taste typical dishes such as polenta incatenata, spadellata alla contiglianese or pappa al pomodoro. Finally, for the sweet tooth, you cannot miss the sweet festival, held in the summer and offering a wide range of desserts and delicacies.
Conclusion
In short, Contigliano is a place full of history and charm, perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet and want to discover the beauty of nature. We are sure that you will not be disappointed by this splendid town in the heart of the Rieti Valley. See you soon in Contigliano!
