In Monteleone Sabino, a village 60 kilometres from Rome, one breathes a Medieval air. Its 11th-century structures are still intact, with walls, towers and the gate, Porta Pica, incorporated into Palazzo Lancelotti.
Built on the ruins of Trebula Mutuesca, one of the most important Sabine cities, then a thriving Roman city, the village was owned by various families, then passed to the Apostolic Camera in the early 1600s.
The alleys, streets and buildings decorated with Roman finds from the excavations of Trebula, are very characteristic.
The most important area of Monteleone can be reached by a short walk.
Worth a visit is the Church of Santa Vittoria, a Romanesque jewel that the countryside’s greenery has preserved wonderfully intact.
Dating to the early 12th century, it is decorated with frescoes and reliefs and its catacombs can be visited.
Near the church, the Roman amphitheatre has been completely uncovered.
Not to be missed is the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista and the 17th-century painting attributed to Vincenzo Manenti as well as the “Trebula Mutuesca” Civic Archaeological Museum with numerous Roman archaeological remains found in the archaeological area of the same name.
The village is linked to the legend of Santa Vittoria, whose strong faith enabled her to chase out of the territory a horrible dragon that had invaded the surrounding area.
For flavour lovers, a bruschetta festival celebrates the excellent bread with Sabina DOP extra virgin olive oil.
Some typical local dishes are the fettuccine alla trebulana, with pancetta and mushrooms, the montuni, pan fried fritters, and the aniseed doughnut.