Clinging to the steep side of the Rosato Mountain, Poggio Bustone over looks the Rieti basin and the Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile. The village is known for having given hospitality to St. Francis, for the “porchetta” (pork roast) and for being the place of birth of the famous pop singer Lucio Battisti.
Poggio Bustone has a typical medieval layout. A Gothic arch bearing the greeting “buon giorno buona gente” (good morning good people) can be found in the village on account of St. Francis, who came here in 1208 and reputedly greeted the villagers this way. Since then the locals have been greeting each other the same way every 4 October, when they celebrate the Saint. Founded in 1235, the convent of San Giacomo is set amidst verdant woodland and overlooks a mystic landscape: the Nature Reserve of the Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile. This is where Francis had a vision which confirmed that his juvenile sins had been forgiven and where the peace mission of the Franciscans departed from. A portico with octagonal columns leads into the convent and to a 15th-century church. The highlights are the frescoed refectory and the room where Francis stayed. Further up on the Rosato Mountain, at 1,075 metres above the sea level, there is a hermitage where Francis often stayed, a small 13th-century church and a 17th-century chapel.
Poggio Boscone’s Porchetta Festival takes place on the first Sunday of October and includes a historical pageant and live music. The recipe for making this boneless roast pork has been handed down throughout the generations. The ancient streets of the village are pervaded with the aroma of this speciality. It is made with prime ingredients and according to a painstaking procedure. The temperature inside the oven must be the same throughout and the salt, cracked black pepper, garlic and rosemary must be well-balanced. The fame of Poggio Boscone’s “porchetta” has grown over the years since it was first celebrated back in 1950.
One of Italy’s most celebrated Italian singer-songwriters, the great Lucio Battisti, was born here. A park with a scenic terrace, the “Giardini di Marzo” (a famous song of his), has been dedicated to him. Standing inside the park is a bronze statue by the sculptor Manuel Campus portraying the artist with his beloved guitar.
The popular sports relate to flying: hang-gliding and gliding, which can take advantage of the favourable ascensional currents.