The ancient Collevecchio (Colavetus), founded in the 13th century, offers a unique sight in the whole Rieti area for the beauty of the noble dwellings that still enrich the historic centre.
The privilege of being the seat of the Papal Governor of Sabina for two centuries (1605-1800) brought Collevecchio not only an unavoidable economic development, but also a cultural liveliness that can still be appreciated today in the elegant appearance of its monuments, including: Palazzo del Governatore Apostolico, on the town’s main square, Palazzo Floridi, Palazzo Filippi, Palazzo Coperchio – Piacentini, Palazzo Pistolini.
At the bottom of the town is Porta Romana, from which the road that once led to Rome departed and which was built for defence purposes, with large stones tied together by a system of joints and a drawbridge of which the exit holes for the chains remain. It is currently walled up and encompassed in the De Rubeis palace.
On the village’s main square is the Collegiate Church of the Annunziata (late 12th century), with a beautiful 15th-century portal.
Inside are some works of considerable interest, including a valuable polychrome wooden crucifix (8th-9th century) in Byzantine style.
Among the curious features is a small portico known as ‘La Buchetta’ and located on the ramp leading from Via Roma towards the corso.
It was built in 1930 to a design by engineer Augusto Maggiorani right above the bus station, to offer shelter to passengers waiting for the arrival of the bus.
The culinary specialities of Collevecchio range from Frittatina with wild asparagus, to polenta with a sauce made of spices and sausages and lorecalicu, a delicious peasant dish.
Pampepato is typical of the area, but the peculiarity of the Collevecchio one lies in the combination of chocolate, dried fruit, candied fruit and honey with pepper.