Discover Ornaro: History, Trails and Views over Sabina

Ornaro Alto between the hills and Via Salaria Nuova

Ornaro Alto lies on a hill near kilometre 64 of Via Salaria Nuova. For you, this location combines local history with ancient routes and a landscape that opens out widely across Sabina. The views extend over lower Sabina almost as far as Rome, across the Turano Valley and northwards towards the mountain scenery around Terminillo.

Alleys, the Rocca and the historic centre

The oldest part of Ornaro Alto can be explored on foot through narrow alleys as far as the Piazzetta della Rocca. The route therefore leads directly into the historic centre and to a square associated with the history of the Rocca.

The Rocca di Ornaro Alto dates back to a medieval complex from around the 11th century. In the 15th century, the tower was extensively altered: it was given a base and raised by one storey.

The castle of Ornaro Alto initially belonged to the Brancaleoni family, then to the Orsini family and finally to the Apostolic Chamber.

Sant’Antonino Martire and ancient traces

In Ornaro Alto, the parish church of Sant’Antonino Martire is the only surviving church associated with Marini’s church listing, and at the same time the only church within the historic centre.

The church preserves a well-preserved 16th-century fresco in the apse. It is one of the specific art-historical features you can discover in the town centre.

The main altar of Sant’Antonino Martire rests on a milestone from the ancient Via Salaria. The stone marks the 43rd milestone and bears the names of Valentinian, Valens and Gratian.

Trails through woodland and landscape

From Ornaro, the route once again follows the ancient Via del Sale through the woodland to the provincial road. The section of the ancient Via Salaria that runs mostly through the territory of Ornaro can be walked.

Ornaro Alto therefore appeals not only to visitors interested in culture, but also to you if historic routes, landscape and outdoor activity are part of your travel plans. The views over lower Sabina, the Turano Valley and the mountains around Terminillo create a distinctive landscape highlight.

Summer festival and Sabina cuisine

The “Palio degli Orsini” was held as a medieval reenactment during the summer, on the second Sunday in July. It included a historical costume procession, competitions in various skill-based disciplines and a medieval dinner.

The restaurant at Tenuta La Ginestra offers a culinary complement. There, refined cuisine inspired by tradition is combined with typical products from Sabina, including truffles, porcini mushrooms and game. The modern menu also includes traditional dishes.

If you base your accommodation decision on your interests, Ornaro offers several specific points of connection: narrow alleys and the Rocca for history, ancient routes for walks, views for landscape experiences and products from Sabina for regional cuisine. This allows you to choose a location that suits your personal travel rhythm.

Further places for your travel planning

If you would like to extend your journey beyond Ornaro, here are some further places: Roccantica, Poggio Moiano, Posta, Colli Sul Velino, Santa Maria, Pian De' Valli, Greccio, Montasola.

For the overarching travel overview: Rieti.