Palombara Sabina
Palombara Sabina: a city in the lower Sabina
Palombara Sabina is an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Rome Capital, in Lazio. With its 12,728 inhabitants, it is a historic city that has experienced numerous pre-European events.
Physical geography
Terrain
Located in the lower Sabina, it is situated at an altitude of 372 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Lucretili mountains and overlooked by Mount Gennaro.
Climate
The city has a temperate climate, classified as zone D.
History
Palombara Sabina, known in the past as Palombara, probably corresponds to the city of Cameria or "Regillum". There are numerous fossil finds in its surroundings, including an "Elephas" now housed at the Paleontological Museum of La Sapienza University in Rome.
In the 8th century, the village was called Palumba or Palumbus, due to the presence of dovecotes and pigeon breeding in the area. Later it was the domain of the Abbey of Farfa. The toponym "Palumbaria" dates back to the 11th century, when the city became a fiefdom of Duke Alberico the Lombard. During the Middle Ages, the village developed around the castle's watchtower and became a strategic center in battles between nearby cities. In 1600, the fiefdom passed to the Borghese, who became the dukes of Palombara Sabina.
Palombara Sabina also witnessed the Garibaldian Campaign of 1867, when Colonel Paggi led a column for the liberation of Rome.
Monuments and points of interest
Religious architecture
In the territory of Palombara Sabina there are numerous churches, including the Abbey of San Giovanni in Argentella, the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata, the Church of San Biagio, the Church of Sant'Egidio and the ruins of the Convent of San Nicola.
Civil architecture
The historic center of Palombara Sabina is a real architectural treasure, with its village perched on a hill. Inside it is the Savelli Castle, whose watchtower was built in the 9th century. Thanks to its strategic location, the historic center witnessed numerous historical events. The Wall of Relief, about one hundred meters long, is another architectural treasure of the village, covered with battlements alternating with 37 loopholes.
In the city, you can also find numerous original medieval houses dating back to the earliest years of its foundation. The village is constantly expanding towards the surrounding countryside.
Military architecture
The Savelli Torlonia Castle, built by the Crescenzi Ottaviani in the historic center, houses a Naturalistic Museum and is a testament to the ancient relationships between the village and noble families.
Palombara Sabina is one of the most interesting and little-known cities in Lazio, rich in history and charm, with its historic center perched on a hill, churches and military architectures. A visit to Palombara Sabina offers an overview of the history of the village, from its foundation in the medieval period to the present day.
