Vacone
Discovering Vacone, a small village immersed in nature
If you're looking for a place to relax and immerse yourself in nature, the small town of Vacone could be just the thing. Located in the province of Rieti, in the heart of the Lazio region, Vacone has only 224 inhabitants and is situated 517 meters above sea level. Here you will find yourself surrounded by lush nature, mountains, and forests, with Mount Cosce as a backdrop.
The physical geography of Vacone
The territory of Vacone is largely made up of mountains, characterized by forests and rocky outcroppings. The historic center is located on a hill, right at the foot of the striking Mount Cosce, which rises to 1,114 meters and is a real wonder of nature that can also be seen from Rome on a clear day. In the municipal territory, the Aia stream flows and the Pago Woods are classified as a Site of Community Importance (SIC). The climate is classified as zone E, 2306 GG.
The history of Vacone
The name of the town, in fact, derives from the cult of the goddess Vacuna, a Sabine deity, venerated especially during the end of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. On the acropolis of the town, where the church of John the Evangelist is located, there was surely a "fanum Vacunae," a temple dedicated to the goddess, but unfortunately, no traces have been found.
Vacone dates back to 1027 when it was first mentioned in relation to the castle that was ceded to the Farfa Abbey. Later, it became a fiefdom of the Orsini, Caetani, Spada, Vaini, and finally the Clarelli. It was these last who, in 1816, relinquished their feudal rights over Vacone.
Monuments and places of interest
The village of Vacone is small but very characteristic, with many narrow and winding streets that climb and descend among the stone houses of the historic center. One of the most important monuments is the medieval castle, located on the summit of the hill on which the town stands. Today, unfortunately, only the tower remains, which overlooks the entrance gate to the town, where the Clarelli's coat of arms, the last feudal lords, is located.
Another attraction is the Bandusia Fountain near Vacone, whose Roman remains suggest that this was the source that inspired the poet Horace on the eve of the Fontanalia. In his ode to Fons Bandusiae, the poet offers sacrifices of wine, flower crowns, and a goat's blood.
Other administrative information
Vacone is part of the Sabina IV Zona Mountain Community and the Union of the Municipalities of the Val d'Aia, along with the municipalities of Cottanello, Configni, and Montasola.
If you love nature and history, Vacone is a place that definitely deserves a visit. You can stroll through the streets of the historic center, admire the medieval castle, and discover the legend of the Bandusia Fountain. And if you wish, you can also go hiking or cycling in the woods and enjoy the wonders of unspoiled nature.
