Gavignano Sabino
Discovering Gavignano Sabino: a medieval village on the hills of Lazio
Gavignano Sabino is a characteristic hamlet of the municipality of Forano, located in the province of Rieti, in Lazio. This village, which dominates the Tiber river valley from the left bank, is only 3 km south of Forano and is easily accessible by car or train thanks to its railway station.
Physical geography: the location of Gavignano Sabino
Gavignano Sabino is located in a privileged position on the hill, from which you can admire the panorama of the underlying valley. Well positioned between the cities of Rome and Rieti, the village is perfect for enjoying the tranquility of the countryside and at the same time being close to the larger cities.
History: from legend to the foundation of the village
According to legend, Gavignano Sabino rises on the site of a villa of the Gabinia family, hence its name "Sabinianum" or "Gabinianum". However, there are different theories about the foundation of the village, which trace its origins to a city called "Gabiniano" or "Gabio in Sabina".
What is certain is that the village already existed in Roman times, as demonstrated by the visible opus reticulatum walls. In the Middle Ages, the castle of Gavignano passed into the hands of several noble families such as the Orsini, the counts of Ravenna, the Vaini princes, and the De Somma.
Places of interest: a journey through the medieval village of Gavignano
Visiting Gavignano Sabino means immersing oneself in a medieval reality that still retains traces of its past. The village, which extends over a low hill, is perfectly preserved with its narrow streets and stone walls. The front part of the castle has been destroyed, but some traces of the past are still visible, such as the Palazzo Pellegrini in the town square and the fifteenth-century arch that constituted the entrance gate to the village.
The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the mid-eleventh century, is another attraction of the village. This sacred building was completely restored in 1775 by Carlo Rezzonico, the cardinal who would become Pope Clement XIII. Inside, you can admire a painting of Saint Philip Neri.
Infrastructure and transport: how to reach Gavignano Sabino
Gavignano Sabino is easily accessible by both car and train. The hamlet is crossed by the Strada Statale 657 Sabina, which connects the village to Civita Castellana and Poggio Mirteto. In addition, the A1 (Italy) motorway is easily accessible from the other side of the Tiber, in the municipal territory of Ponzano Romano.
For those who prefer trains, the Gavignano Sabino railway station is located on the Florence-Rome line and is served by the FL1 line service, which connects the village to Poggio Mirteto, Fara in Sabina, Rome Tiburtina, and Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Conclusions
Gavignano Sabino is a unique experience for those who want to immerse themselves in history and visit an authentic medieval village. With its strategic position, this village is perfect for those who want to discover the beauties of Lazio, from the art and culture of Rome to the medieval towns of Viterbo and Orvieto, to the beautiful hills of Sabina and the Sabini Mountains.
