Stimigliano
Welcome to Stimigliano, the gateway to Sabina!
Hello everyone! Today we'll talk about one of the most beautiful towns in the province of Rieti, Stimigliano, also known as "Stimijanu" in Sabine dialect. Stimigliano has a population of about 2181 inhabitants and is located about 60 kilometers west of Rieti.
Let's explore the physical geography of Stimigliano
The Territory
Stimigliano is located on top of a hill on the northern banks of the Tiber River and overlooks Mount Soratte and its nature reserve. The original nucleus of the town is located on the highest part of the hill, while the rest of the town and the railway station developed mainly in the last century thanks to the construction of the Rome-Ancona Railway and its regional Orte-Fiumicino line.
The municipal territory of Stimigliano is divided into a flat part, corresponding to the Tiber Valley, bordered in some parts by the river itself, and by the hilly hinterland, characterized by numerous olive plantations. From the squares of the town it is possible to observe that the Tiber makes a sort of screw or "fiasco", as it is commonly defined by the local population.
The Climate
Stimigliano has a mild climate, in fact it is the town with the mildest climate in the province of Rieti. It belongs to the D zone of the Italian climatic classification and boasts 1742 GR/G.
An Overview of the History of Stimigliano
The history of Stimigliano dates back to the 1st and 2nd centuries after Christ, when an ancient Roman villa belonging to the noble family of "gens septimia" stood on the hill where the town now stands. The first nucleus of the town, the "pagus stimiliani", was formed around it. In the beginning of the 6th century after Christ, Galla, daughter of Symmachus, built a basilica in honor of Saint Valentine belonging to the titular See of Vescovio on the hill of the town. Throughout the high Middle Ages, the whole of Sabina was ravaged and sacked by the Goths, Longobards, Franks, Saracens and local lords, so the inhabitants took refuge on the hill to defend themselves better, giving rise to the "castrum stimiliani".
Already from the high Middle Ages, Stimigliano came under the influence of the State of the Church, and in particular, in the 10th century it found itself under the possessions of the monastery of Saint Andrew on the river, and later passed in 1049 to the Abbey of Farfa. The birth of the actual castle antedates 1236 (perhaps even in the 11th century) thanks to Ranuccio, Francesco da Stimigliano and his nephew Pietro, who acquired part of the nearby castle of Pozza.
Discovering Stimigliano today
What to see
Today Stimigliano is known as the "gateway to Sabina" and is a tranquil town immersed in nature and in its hilly territory full of medieval charm. The historic center of the town is the ideal place to visit to discover the history and culture of the town. The climb to San Valentino, a characteristic staircase, leads to the Church of San Valentino, which houses many works of art.
The cemetery of Nocchieto, located outside the town, offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills. Finally, Scalo, where the railway station is located, is a vital and lively area with many bars, restaurants, and shops.
What to do
Stimigliano offers many opportunities for leisure and relaxation, thanks to its natural landscapes, historical and cultural attractions, and traditional festivals. For hiking enthusiasts, the hilly territory offers many nature trails among olive groves and breathtaking views.
Well-known is the Fair of San Matteo, which takes place on September 21 in the historic center of the town, animated by dozens of stalls of typical local products, shows, and entertainment for children. Also during the Christmas season, you can visit the Living Nativity, a traditional event that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Conclusion
Here we are at the end of our short trip to Stimigliano. I hope I have immersed you in this enchanting town in the province of Rieti, where nature and history blend into a unique dimension. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you won't regret it!
