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Varco Sabino

Varco Sabino, a town of traditions handed down from generation to generation, in the marvelous setting of Lake Salto, a town where you can fully enjoy walking between nature and summer fun, but where there are many architectural works to visit.

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Population

186

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Area

24,64 km²

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Altitude

742 m

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Where is it?

Varco Sabino has located 31km from Rieti and has 263 inhabitants. The municipality is placed at 742 meters above sea level and covers an area of 24.6 square km. The town is surrounded by splendid panoramas and vegetation, between the right bank of Lake Salto and the Navegna massif chain. It is part of the Cervia and Navegna Mountains park.

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Its origins?

The town has a recent history: it was built in the fifteenth century by the inhabitants of a village in the neighborhood destroyed by a powerful earthquake, Mirandella. The information regarding its history is scarce, and its importance derives from the pass located a short distance from which it takes its name. The etymology of the toponym seems to refer to the geographical location. It refers to the passage that connected the Sabina with the region of Abruzzo. Varco Sabino never reached the status of castrum because it was not protected by fortifications. In 1817, with the reorganization of the State of the Church, Varco had 362 inhabitants. It was assigned to Castelvecchio and included in the governorship of Rocca Sinibalda. About forty years later, the number of inhabitants grew to over 400 people, who formed 86 families. The most prominent ones were the Caprioli, the Battisti, and the Manelli. The parish church was dedicated to St. Jerome. The main activity of the inhabitants of the village was woodworking. To practice, there were 14 coopers besides a tailor, a stonecutter, a workshop of worked irons, and a spice shop. The village square served as grinding the grain.

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What to see?

The Church of St. Jerome is one of the must-see sights in the municipal area. The perfectly preserved Roman bridge is fascinating. Crossing it is impressive because it testifies the area's importance as the main access route to Abruzzo. Overhanging the town is a rock cliff, particularly popular with those visitors who practice sports climbing; a bolted route has also been prepared for them. Also hidden in the bowels of a cliff is the Cavern of St. Michael Archangel, a small Christian temple that resembles the Cavern dedicated to him in the Gargano. The cult of St. Michael Archangel, who arrived in these lands probably following Apulian shepherds on their transhumance to the fertile plains of the Rieti and Abruzzo regions, is strongly revered by the townspeople. Not to be missed is the Rigatti Castle, which dates to the formation of the village; it was built in 1100. In the vicinity, there are other ancient and evocative castles: Poggio Vittiano and Rocca Vittiana. The former, whose origin is shrouded in mist, has a hamlet that has recently undergone a redevelopment project that has had the merit of recomposing some stylistic overlaps that appeared in the past in the castle center. The three churches in the center, St. Anastasio, St. Liberatore, and St. Mary of the Assumption, are all of medieval origin. From outside the village, near a small rural church resting on a spur of tufa rock, it is possible to enjoy a suggestive view of this slope. As for the Rocca Vittiana, it can be reached on foot. The center is placed on a rocky spur, winded through characteristic narrow streets that dominate the final part of Lake Salto towards the dam. Also interesting inside the village is Palazzo Salvati (Salvati Palace), which lends authority and charm to the entire village. From the belvedere below, it is possible to admire a suggestive view of the lake. Finally, for those who love walking and trekking, the natural beauty of the mountains surrounding the place allows them to enjoy excursions in contact with unspoiled nature.