This charming little municipality, known in ancient times as Podium Myrtetum, is in the Sabina area, close to Rieti, and lies in the Tiber Valley just fifty kilometres from Rome.
It was founded in the mid-13th century by the inhabitants of nearby castles who decided to join forces for reasons of defence.
In the 19th century it began to grow and develop, both economically and culturally, participating actively in the campaign for the Unification of Italy.
In 1837 it was granted the status of “città” by Pope Gregory XVI.
Many of Poggio Mirteto’s inhabitants were at Garibaldi‘s side when he stayed in the area.
An entry gate leads into the historical centre where, after walking past some stretches of 14th century wall, one reached the heart of the town, Porta di Sotto.
Among the treasures of Poggio Mirteto that may be visited, the Cathedral dell’Assunta, built between 1641 and 1725, is unmissable. It contains some exquisite paintings like “Madonna in trono con bambino”, “Transito di san Giuseppe” and “Battesimo di Cristo”.
The Carnevale (or Carnevalone Liberato) is a symbolic celebration of “self-liberation” from the Papal States, which made Poggio Mirteto famous throughout Lazio.
Festivities liven up the town with carnival parades, masqued balls and street performers, making this event a must!
Poggio Mirteto also shares the culinary traditions of other towns in the Sabina area, focusing especially on egg pasta in various forms: fettuccine, ravioli (with ricotta and truffles), roughly-cut maltagliati and macaroni, as well as the production of olive oil – Poggio Mirteto’s oil is its number one artisan product.