Montenero Sabino
Hello friends, today I want to tell you about a small municipality in the province of Rieti in Lazio, Montenero Sabino. With only 272 inhabitants, it may seem like a quiet and uninteresting little village, but in reality, it has much to offer.
Physical Geography
Territory
Located in the high valley of the Canera stream, Montenero Sabino is one of the natural gateways between the Piana di Rieti and the valley of the Tiber. The village is located on the eastern edge of the valley, on a ridge of the Sabine Mountains, at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. Thanks to its location, it offers breathtaking views.
Climate
The climate in Montenero Sabino is sub-continental temperate, with cold winters and hot summers. The average annual temperature is about 13 degrees Celsius.
Origins of the name
The toponym Montenero derives from Latin "Monte Nirium" or "Mons Nigrus". The name seems to have been chosen thanks to the dense and dark forests that surround the village, but above all, because of the abundant presence of black flint stone on the surrounding mountains. The Casperian poet Orazio Massari wrote poems about the village, mentioning precisely the presence of this stone.
History
Montenero Sabino seems to have been inhabited already in Roman times, but the inhabited center that we can see today originated in the Middle Ages, with the fortification. The first mention of the toponym Montenero dates back to the year 1023, while the first evidence of the existence of a castle in Montenero dates back to 1085. The castle belonged to different families, among which the Orsini, who saved the village from the destruction ordered by Pope Alexander VI. In 1671, Montenero was erected as a Duchy and subsequently passed to the Vincentini di Rieti marquises.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of Montenero Sabino is very suggestive, with a structure that develops on a hill and the castle representing its highest point. The original construction of the castle has undergone modifications over the years, but one of its towers and the enclosing walls are still visible. Along the walls, there were two gates, Porta Riella and Porta Mola.
The parish church of the village, dedicated to Saint Cataldo bishop of Taranto, was renovated in 1735 and is very interesting for its style. On the floor, you can see several inscriptions, including one that recalls a member of the Lavi family.
Conclusions
In summary, Montenero Sabino is a small municipality rich in history and fascinating monuments. If you are passing through the area, do not miss the opportunity to visit it and admire the breathtaking views it offers. I am sure you will not be disappointed!
