Selci
Selci: a small Sabine town with a rich history
If you are looking for a quiet and picturesque place where you can relive ancient history of Lazio, Selci is the place for you. This municipality in the province of Rieti is located on the western foothills of the Sabine Mountains, at an altitude of 204 meters above sea level, and has a population of just over a thousand inhabitants.
Physical geography
The territory of Selci covers an area of 13.5 km², with alternating olive groves, vineyards, and wheat fields, interspersed with oak and chestnut forests that create an enchanted landscape. The climate in Selci is characterized by hot summers and rather cold winters, with an average annual temperature of 12.6 °C.
History
Selci was founded in the 10th century after the destruction of the city of Forum Novum by the Saracens. Over the centuries, the municipality underwent various dominations, ranging from the Lords of Toscanella to the Church of Rome, until it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1870.
One of the most important moments in the history of Selci is linked to the Bertoldi family, whose ancestors settled in the municipality at the end of the 15th century. From that moment on, and for 500 years, the family continued to live and prosper in Selci, becoming one of the pillars of the community and conferring it with prestige and splendor.
Symbols
The flag of Selci is a white cloth to which the emblem of the municipality was added.
Demographic evolution
Due to its not so favorable geographical location, Selci has undergone a strong depopulation starting from the 1950s and its population has been reduced to only 1108 inhabitants in 2021.
Administration
Selci has established twinning with several Italian and foreign cities, but currently has no active collaboration with any municipality.
The municipality of Selci has passed during the 20th century from Perugia to the province of Rome and finally to that of Rieti, where it is part of the municipalities of the Turano Valley.
Notes
The history of Selci is a wonderful example of how even a small municipality can preserve its roots and history, becoming an invaluable heritage for anyone who visits it.
Other projects
To discover Selci in detail and to book a guided tour, you can visit the municipality's website.
