Magliano Sabina, nestled on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley and Mount Soratte, has been, for a long time, one of the most important economic centres in Lazio, thanks to its port on the Tiber River.
The first settlements along the banks of the Tiber date back to the Umbrian-Sabine and the Faliscan era. The historic centre hosts typical medieval buildings, such as Palazzo Vannicelli, the current town hall, and the Bishop’s Palace from 1593.
Among the places of cult not to be missed, we find the fifteenth-century Cathedral of San Liberatore, with its eighteenth-century frescoes, the twelfth-century Romanesque Church of San Pietro, with its beautiful three-nave interior, and the thirteenth-century Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Also noteworthy is the Faliscan Necropolis of Troilo from the fourth century BC, discovered in Civita Vecchia, an area sacred to the Goddess Fauna now occupied by the Church of Santa Maria. The site preserves numerous tombs dug into the tuff, later turned into cellars, similar to the Falerian ones on the other side of the Tiber River.
The hamlet of Foglia, located on a cliff on the left bank of the Tiber, is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Its imposing Castle controlled, in the past, the river port and the crossing of Via Flaminia, which ran right at the base of the Fortress, thus playing a privileged role in the settlement strategy of the Sabines along the Tiber Valley.
Foglia di Magliano Sabina – www.comune.maglianosabina.ri.it
The hamlet of Foglia, surrounded by centuries-old oaks, holm oaks and Turkey oaks, also boasts several specimens of multicoloured spontaneous flowers, including beautiful orchids. The Castle of Foglia, today a private residence, hosts various cultural and artistic initiatives. Its underground passages, dug into the rock for thousands of years, now also offers a unique wellness path.
The hot air balloon ride over the Tiber Valley photo @FB-Romamongolfiere
For lovers of adventure, a fantastic hot air balloon flight at dawn to share with family or friends is a must. Starting from Magliano Sabina, the balloon flies over the Tiber Valley and the Sabina area, offering passengers a romantic, unforgettable experience over a gorgeous nature and ancient villages.
Magliano Sabina – Facebook @maglianosabinacomune
The Infiorata del Corpus Domini in Magliano Sabina, held in June, also includes a Procession, whose participants tread the scented carpet of drawings depicting sacred scenes. Other significant events are the “Giostra del Gonfalone” also held in June, a competition among the four districts of the town, and the Grape Festival in August, celebrated with a parade of allegorical floats. Not to be missed are the Corsa all’Anello, an opportunity to enjoy the best local dishes and wines, and the Feast of the Patron Saint San Liberatore, celebrated in May.