It was referred to as “the flower of Italy” because it was the safest area in the Republic of Rome, hence the presence of the villas of the Roman nobility. One of these was that of the Scandillis, to whom the town owes the name Scandriglia.
Like many towns in the Sabina region, this one too has distinct medieval origins which define its historic centre. Interesting sites are the remains of the Imperial Villa of Nerva; the Roman Bridge; and remains of other Roman villas and some ancient milestones in the archaeological digs at Madonna dei Colori.
Currently Scandriglia covers an area of 6,000 hectares consisting mostly of hills and wooded mountains. Not far away is the Church of Santa Barbara, where it is believed that the saint was martyred by her father. The church houses a magnificent Madonna delle Grazie. Located in the hamlet of Ponticelli is the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria del Colle, whose interior is decorated with votive frescoes dating from the 13th to the 16th century.
Worthy of a visit are the Palazzo degli Anguillara, embellished with frescoes from the school of Antoniazzo Romano, and the Church of the Assunta. This medieval church was restyled in the 18th century and houses paintings dating from the 16th to the 17th century and a polychrome wooden statue depicting the Virgin and Child dated 16th century. Another interesting feature of this church is its campanile built on a watch tower of Roman origin.
Scandriglia is home to one of the most significant monasteries in the Sabina region. It was constructed in the 11th century by Marquis Uberto and consecrated to San Salvatore Minore.
A must-try are the “sagne scandrigliesi” (hand-made past served with a hearty meat sauce), the “sagne stracciate” (served with pancetta and pecorino) and cauliflower and apple fritters.