Casperia, the onion-shaped medieval village, even preserves, on Porta di S. Maria (Porta Reatina), a clock marking the hours with the medieval system.
According to a law from 1397, whoever dared to open a gap, the size of a person, into the imposing defensive walls, was condemned to death.
Casperia, in the heart of Sabina
Casperia, even mentioned by Virgilio in the Book VII of the Aeneid, thanks to its beauty and the preserved artistic and landscape heritage, has been awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. The town also entered the list of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia and was recognized by the Times, together with Calcata, as an Ideal Italian Village.
The streets of Casperia
The historic streets of Casperia, in the heart of Sabina, form gradually narrowing concentric circles, which climb up the hill, till they reach the highest part of the town and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Restored many times from 1515, the Church boasts a Romanesque bell tower and several works of art, a majestic organ and the monumental permanent nativity scene, visitable in the sacristy.
Church of the Ss. Annunziata
Also noteworthy are the wonderful Baroque Church of the Santissima Annunziata, the Palazzo Forani from the seventeenth century, and the Church of Santa Maria in Legarano, just outside the village.
The walkways in the historic centre of Casperia
Towers, walkways, ravelins, loopholes and casemates, testify the medieval origins of ancient Aspra, which became Casperia in 1947. Today, it is one of the few villages with an entirely pedestrian historical centre, with well-preserved narrow alleys, restaurants and accommodation facilities.
The Belvedere Fountain
Continuing along a perfectly restored cobblestone slope, we reach Piazza Umberto I and the beautiful Belvedere Fountain, from where to admire the view of the Sabini Mountains and Mount Soratte.
Finally, why not to taste a plate of stringozzi (long-cut pasta) with porcini mushrooms, or the many typical specialities of Sabina? Try them to believe!