The village of Montopoli di Sabina sits on the crest of an isolated, verdant hill, guaranteeing a stunning 360° view.
Environment and nature, beauty and history are inextricably blended here.
Since this area is so healthy and wholesome, numerous Roman villas sprung up here – it is still possible to visit the remains of some of them.
We enter the village through the Porta Romana or the Porta Maggiore, imposing gates in the Renaissance style.
Once within the gates, in the Piazza Comunale visitors will find an octagonal fountain inset with metal lions’ heads, from whose mouths water issues.
As well as the charming bell-tower of the San Michele Arcangelo Parish Church, which dominates the village, of special interest is the skilfully- restructured Ugonesca Tower, which dates from the 11th century.
Also worth visiting is the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (formerly a Franciscan convent).
Located along the road leading to Montopoli, it contains frescoes attributed to Vincenzo Manenti (1599-1673), dated around the mid 17th century, in addition to rich baroque stucco decorations.
In the municipal area of Montopoli di Sabina we find the curiously named “Ponte Sfondato [bridge with bottom bursting]” – the name derives from the fact that a natural bridge was created in the volcanic rock by the force of the Farfa stream.
Gourmets will find wild asparagus and aromatic herbs in Montopoli in Sabina, to be savoured with home-made egg pasta, omelettes or as a side dish for various local specialities such as game or snails.
In winter polenta is invariably served with a sauce made of sausages, sprinkled with the excellent local pecorino, served on wooden plates.