Discover Forano: Castles, Churches and Nature

Castle, Palazzo Ducale and Local History

Forano’s medieval castle dates from the 10th to 11th century and stands on the ruins of an earlier Roman villa. Castello di Forano is also known as Palazzo Ducale. The palazzo preserves halls and frescoes from the 16th century, bringing different eras together at this historic site. The Forano Vecchia area behind Palazzo Ducale holds further interesting historical details. The sequence of periods—from the Roman villa to the castle and then the frescoes—gives the town’s history a tangible form without conflating the different features as belonging to a single building phase.

Church Art and Places of Remembrance

The Chiesa della S.S. Trinità e di Maria Assunta is protected by the Soprintendenza for the Environmental and Architectural Heritage of Lazio. Its altar bears a painting commissioned by Luigi Strozzi from Girolamo Troppa for the inauguration of the parish church. Troppa’s altarpiece depicts the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven, as well as Saints Jerome and Anthony. It also preserves the only surviving depiction of what Forano was said to have looked like at the end of the 17th century. The Church of Santissima Trinità was built by the Strozzi family at the end of the 17th century.

Other buildings also mark different periods in the town’s history: the Church of San Sebastiano was built in 1627, and the Waldensian Evangelical Church was founded in 1894. The Monumento ai caduti commemorates those who fell in the First and Second World Wars and has a travertine façade. The First World War plaque depicts an antique-clad female figure wearing a mural crown, a winged figure of Victory and a laurel branch. These motifs add a distinct place of remembrance to the picture of Forano.

Festivals and Specialties

One of Forano’s recurring events is the Sagra della Pastasciutta, held on August 14. Another culinary tradition is fallone: a savory, crescent-shaped pastry made from bread dough and filled with vegetables sautéed in a pan. The wider landscape of Sabina is also part of the area’s culinary tradition. Like the rest of the region, Forano is associated with the production of Olio Extravergine di Oliva Sabina DOP; production is attributed to Sabina.

In Gavignano, a hamlet in the municipality of Forano, visitors can sample food for three days during the Sagra dei Maccaruni alla Gavignanese in early August. The very thin macaroni are cut entirely by hand. Gavignano also offers historical and cultural points of interest: the castle’s northern gate is located there, and the Museo della Civiltà Contadina is housed in Palazzo Baronale. Nearby is Fonte Meo, also known as Gabinia. The remains of a basin for collecting water from an ancient Roman complex are visible there.

Plan Walks and Your Journey

Forano’s natural surroundings invite you to go for walks, and swimming is possible in the cool waters of its streams. These nature-based experiences complement the destination’s historical and culinary attractions. When planning your trip, you can consider whether to focus your stay more on local history, regional traditions or time in nature.

If travelling by public transport, note the following municipal advisory: on July 7, 2026, the municipality reported that Cotral services between the population centres of Forano and Gavignano Sabino railway station had been discontinued; the notice was updated on July 18, 2026. Check the latest service information before travelling. This will help you plan your journey using information relevant to your stay.

Discover more destinations:

Rieti, Collegiove, Castelnuovo Di Farfa, Cantalice, Roccantica, Gavignano Sabino, Longone Sabino, Cittaducale

Return to the main travel guide: Rieti.