Montasola is a picturesque medieval village set on a offshoot of Mount Tancia, characterized by a scenic and panoramic old town, adorned with narrow streets with steps, paved with pebbles and bricks, animated by arches. Accessible only on foot, these lanes ascend concentrically to the fortress, the highest point in the village and the entire Sabine territory, offering breathtaking sunsets.
Piazza Umberto I, from which you can enjoy a panorama of valleys and mountains, is located near the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Thomas, built by Celestine III in the 12th century.
The complex of the Opera Pia Cimini, located on one side of the square, bequeated by the benefactor Francesco Cimini on his death in 1712, consists of a church, a hospital, adjacent to the oratory, the small church of Monte, and several properties in Sabina and Rome. Francesco Cimini became wealthy by discovering gold rods in the workshop in Rome where he worked as a carpenter. In 1681, he granted a loan of 500 scudi to the community of Montasola, which, unable to repay the debt, undertook to perpetually paying a “Master of the School” for deserving students and a dowry for honest spinsters.
The church of Oratory is rich in marble groups and paintings, with a notable altarpiece from the school of Antonio Gherardi. The canvas is interchangeable with a wooden crucifix, using a still functioning winch.
The two splendid marble putti, placed on the balustrades of the altar, are traditionally attributed to the school of Bernini.
The oratory perfectly follows the baroque style, with a remarkable balustrade carved in the precious pink marble of Cottanello.
The oratory shares the bell tower and two of the four bells with the adjacent Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Several gastronomic events not to be missed include the Fava Bean and Pecorino Festival on May 1st and, in the same month, the Fregnaccia Festival, a typical homemade pasta. In July, the Ancient Flavors event is organized, an enogastronomic journey from the cellars to the main square of the village.