Toffia
Welcome to Toffia: a town with a long history
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover a small treasure in the province of Rieti? Today we'll talk about Toffia, an Italian municipality with a long and fascinating history.
Physical geography
Toffia is located on the southern foothills of the Sabine Mountains, at an altitude of 262 meters above sea level. The climate in the area is classified as zone D, with a correlation of 1830 degrees/day.
History
The Toffia area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological finds of protohistoric settlements. Among the objects found are fragments with ribbon and concentric diamond decorations, kitchen and dining pottery, and a large cylindrical dolium for grain storage.
An interesting curiosity is that the ancient Suna, city of Aborigines in mythology, has recently been identified with the protohistoric settlement near today's Toffia. It's incredible to think that the 40-stadium distance reported by Dionysius between the Aborigine cities of Suesbula (Monte Calvo, near Osteria Nuova) and Suna (Toffia) is the same distance between Monte Calvo and Toffia today.
During the Roman era, polygonal work terraces were erected on the slopes of Monte degli Elci to protect a nearby Roman villa. Another polygonal wall on the top of the mountain seems to have been built for sacred purposes.
In the tenth century, the castrum Tophiae was listed among the possessions of the Benedictines of Farfa. Although it's not certain where the name of the village comes from, it's believed to be related to its supposed founder, Theophilus, or the Latin term "tophium" meaning "tuff".
It's evident that the village was built for defensive purposes on a very steep rocky outcrop. Today, Toffia is a small commune that stands out for its history and panoramic location on the surrounding mountains.
Cultural heritage and tourism
Toffia is known for its historic center, with narrow streets and ancient cobblestones. The medieval village still retains its original appearance, with houses built along rock walls.
Among the attractions not to be missed is the 12th-century church of San Nicola di Bari, which preserves frescoes from the 14th century. The church of Madonna delle Grazie, on the top of the village, offers a breathtaking view of the valley. The medieval castle of Toffia is also worth a visit, with its towers and distinctive profile.
If you like hiking, you can follow the naturalistic paths of Monte degli Elci and Monte Carpignano. The excursions will allow you to admire the Roman polygonal works and breathtaking views of the valley up close.
If you're a foodie, you can try the typical local dishes, such as pasta alla Toffese, made with local porcini mushrooms, or stuffed Ascolane olives. Additionally, the village hosts several truffle festivals, where you can taste the exquisite truffles of the Apennines.
Toffia is a small commune that preserves its history and tradition. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you won't regret it!
