Torri in Sabina: Archaeology, Sacred Buildings and Paths through History

Ancient History and Medieval Traces

Torri in Sabina combines an unusually dense succession of historical evidence with opportunities for peaceful exploration. The remains of the municipium of Forum Novum were identified near the Church of Santa Maria in Vescovio, in the present-day municipality of Torri in Sabina. The historical arc therefore extends from Roman urban history to medieval villages, churches and fortifications.

The first excavations at Forum Novum took place from 1969 to 1975. They uncovered the forum, basilica, tabernae and several religious buildings in the city centre. However, the findings remained largely unpublished. An active application procedure is available for access to and use of the Forum Novum archaeological site in Vescovio. If you plan to visit this site, you should include the procedure in your practical preparations.

Vescovio: Frescoes, Bell Tower and Finds

The Santuario Santa Maria in Vescovio contains frescoes in the nave. They are dated to around 1295 and attributed to the school of Pietro Cavallini. The building also includes a Romanesque bell tower, probably dating from the 10th or 11th century. Both elements make a visit particularly interesting if you would like to view medieval art and architecture in their local context.

The Antiquarium in Vescovio, Torri in Sabina, preserves finds from excavations in the Forum Novum archaeological site. This creates a clear thematic connection between the archaeological remains and the surviving artefacts, without restricting you to a single period of the area's history.

Rocchette and Rocchettine

The two historic sites of Rocchette and Rocchettine also offer different insights into the past. The entrance gate to the old village of Rocchette clearly bears the year 1607, indicating when it was built. A walk through the village passes stone buildings, paths carved into the rock and walls with visible traces of the past.

The walls and fortifications of Rocchettine were built in the 13th century together with neighbouring Rocchette. For planning a day trip, these sites can therefore be combined with the archaeological and ecclesiastical-history stops, while each section preserves its own historical focus.

Art and Paths through the Region

San Giovanni Battista preserves a 6th-century artefact that was reused as a baptismal font. It also houses a 19th-century painting by Vincenzo Camuccini. Together, the two works take you from late antique history to 19th-century art and complement the older evidence at Forum Novum and Santa Maria in Vescovio.

The Museo Territoriale dell'Agro Foronovano includes a series of thematic paths. They extend across a vast area with evidence from the Archaic, Roman and medieval periods. Between Tarano and Torri in Sabina, the Aia stream reveals rocky passages in spring as rainfall decreases, making them suitable for crossing on foot or horseback. When choosing your hotel, you can therefore tailor the focus of your stay to your own interests: Forum Novum and the Antiquarium for antiquity, Santa Maria in Vescovio and San Giovanni Battista for art and religious heritage, and Rocchette, Rocchettine and the thematic paths for an active exploration of history.

Other Places for Orientation

For further travel planning, you can also compare Montenero Sabino, Amatrice, Poggio Vittiano, Grotti, Limiti Di Greccio, Posta, Longone Sabino and Casaprota.

For the higher-level travel overview: Rieti.