Fara Sabina

Located on a mountain that overlooks the Farfa Valley, Fara Sabina is one of the most extensive communes; included within the area is Farfa, site of the famous Abbey. Characterized by a largely intact medieval architecture, it is presumed that Farfa has Longobard origins dating back to the Sixth Century. Its name also derives from these origins: the term ‘fara’ indicated a nomadic family clan, which appears to have established the first settlement in the area. The history of Fara, which was closely tied to the events of Farfa Abbey, included such protagonists as Henry IV, the Holy Roman Emperor, and Federico da Montefeltro. The ancient monasteries and buildings of its historic centre are testimony to this past. Today they house other institutions such as the Museum of Silence run by hermit nuns, the town hall and the Archaeological Museum, the latter being an important site in the documentation of the rich history of the Sabina region.

On the top of mount Buzio, on which Fara sits, there is breathtaking view of the Sabina that reaches as far as the capital. In front the bare and exposed Mount Acuziano can be seen, perched upon which are the ruins of the Abbey of St. Martin. The Abbey of St. Martin appears to have been built in the Eleventh Century to rival Farfa, but work on the site was never completed.

Farfa Abbey

The well-known Benedictine complex, which takes its name from the torrent that flows through the nearby valley, is part of the commune of Fara Sabina. Its original Sixth Century structure is still visible and it is the only example of Carolingian architecture in Italy. The imperial Abbey was one of the most important cultural and economic centres of Medieval Europe, taking advantage of a certain autonomy from the Papal States. Charlemagne stopped here on his way to Rome to be crowned emperor and, at the height of its power, it was the administrative seat of over three hundred villages. Today it is still a site for pilgrimage.

Montopoli

Montopoli is one of the towns of Sabina that best preserves its origins. It rises high up giving the opportunity to admire the two faces of the Sabine landscape: the intense and luxuriant nature of the Valley of Farfa and the rolling hills of the Tiber Valley that lead towards the river, Mont Soratte is the solitary outline on the horizon.

In the historic centre of Montopoli there can still be seen parts of the ancient wall, medieval doorways, squares and alleyways that, as in many other Sabine towns, continue to host traditional festivals. The local people endeavour to continue practicing these customs, as they continue the production of olive oil, one of the best of the zone.

Bocchignano

The castle of “Bucciniano”, as it was once called, is one of the oldest and noblest of the Sabina. It rises on a rocky spur that appears to have been initially fortified by the Romans. Bocchignano, which is part of the commune of Montopoli, is a medieval village of astounding beauty. It looks out over the natural beauty of the Valley of Farfa and the Abbey, with which it was in constant conflict to maintain its independence, lasting until 1880 when it became part of Montopoli.

Each year a famous medieval festival takes place that recalls its origins and folklore; most of Bocchignano’s inhabitants take part. These inhabitants have also incorporated the Jazz festival into the local tradition, which also takes place on a yearly basis.

Toffia

Perched on a rocky outcrop sandwiched between two valleys, Toffia is a small town whose particular charm is also strongly medieval in character. The presence of well conserved buildings that at one time were the residences of the noble Roman families Orsini and Colonna, is testimony to the rich past that the town enjoyed, linked to dealings with Farfa Abbey.

The old gateway that opens into the historic centre is a clear sign that there was once a castle, which was sited where the church of Santa Maria Nuova now stands, in the middle of the town. The towns historic beauty can be enjoyed both by visiting the examples of original well-conserved architecture, such as the town hall in the Palazzo Colonna, as well as during the summer’s cultural manifestations, during which the inhabitants and the local associations work towards reviving the historic centre and bringing it back to its best.

How to get here

from Rome: take the motorway A1, exit at Fiano Romano; take the Salaria, direction Rieti, and then turn left towards Passo Corese, after a few kilometres the road passes through the four towns.
from Terni: take the ‘provinciale’ 313 until Poggio Mirteto Scalo, from there you can easily continue to Bocchignano and the other towns.  
from Rieti: take the Salaria until Osteria Nuova, from where in 7km you can reach Toffia.

For an easy visit to the towns and installations we recommend coming by car.