Top 5 Castles in Rieti

Frasso Sabino is a village in the Sabina reatina with origins at least from the early Middle Ages, closely linked to the Abbey of Farfa. Its first known documentary attestation dates back to 955, in the Regestum Farfense, where it appears as “locus ubi dicitur ad Frassum”. In 1055, Alberto, son of Gibbone, donated the castle of Frasso to the abbot of Farfa, Berardo I, confirming the importance of the center in the territorial system of the abbey. Already in 1118, however, Frasso was no longer under the jurisdiction of Farfa, nor is it mentioned in 1198 among the assets confirmed to the abbey by Pope Innocent III. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, the fief passed to the Brancaleoni, and then in 1441 entered the possessions of the Cesarini through the marriage between Orso Cesarini and Simodea Brancaleoni. After various disputes with the Savelli, the Cesarini definitively consolidated their dominion in 1573 and retained possession of the place until 1817. Even the name of the town has debated origins: according to one tradition, it derives from the once abundant ash trees, while other hypotheses connect it to fraxum as a guard post or to the position “among the stones” near the springs of the Farfa. In summary, the history of Frasso Sabino is that of a small Sabine castle born in the orbit of Farfa, then transformed into a lordly fief and remaining for centuries an important outpost of the territory.

The village of Rigatti has medieval origins, having probably been built in the 12th century. Its history is closely linked to the parish church of Santa Maria in Rivogatti, dating back to 1153, around which the settlement developed. Over the centuries, Rigatti has been part of various domains: • Papal State • Kingdom of Naples (in some periods) • Fiefdom of the Mareri family for a long time. The village has had a strategic role, with its castle in visual communication with other military structures in the area, such as the castles of Girgenti and Marcetelli. the baronial palace of Rigatti, originally a medieval castle from the 12th century, was transformed into a noble residence during the Renaissance. It has a characteristic trapezoidal shape and a central keep tower, today it is the Caprioli house and houses a painting depicting the Mareri family coat of arms.

Rocca Sinibalda dominates the lush Turano Valley from above, the second most important river in Sabina after the Velino. The village is dominated by a castle founded around 1060. It was rebuilt as a fortress and noble residence in the 1630s by Cardinal Alessandro Cesarini who hired the famous Sienese architect Baldassarre Peruzzi for the occasion. It can only be visited on certain days. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself before departure.

Small village overlooking Lake Piediluco

"Following the repeated barbarian invasions first, and of the Saracens afterwards, Selci was founded, which takes its name from the nearby Roman road which was, in fact, paved with large flint paving stones. Therefore, following the destruction of Forum Novum , the population, seeking refuge, built the village at the top of a hill. Consequently, the town was fortified with walls and, subsequently, this simple urban agglomeration was transformed into a castrum. From a castle, Selci became a municipality and, when the Church of Rome expanded its possessions, the inhabitants of Selci also swore their subjection to the pope. Today, its surrounding walls and the mighty tower which develops with a square plan and which still dominates Selci are, almost certainly, the ancient vestiges depicting the first fortification of the ancient Silicij castrum. Once past the urban gate, you enter its historic centre, where you can admire the Church dedicated to the Holy Savior and, on the left side, the tourist's view will be attracted by a small square with a tower. Even if combined with late constructions, you can still admire the old walls that defended the entire town". https://www.scoprilasabina.it/cosa-vedere/selci/

Cittareale is a small, anonymous-looking village which however hides an incredible history. Here, in fact, Titus Flavius Vespasian, Roman emperor, was born. Roberto d'Angiò and Manfredi di Svevia also passed through it, leaving a legacy of the beautiful castle, which can still be visited today, located close to the town.

This small town is actually the most populous hamlet of Borgorose. The old village still maintains its medieval matrix intact, with the castle and the circular tower clearly visible. From here several paths start within the Duchess Mountains. In the small town there is also an archeology museum dedicated to the ancient Equi people.

The Castle of Rocca Sinibalda, located in the province of Rieti, has a rich and fascinating history. Its construction dates back to the 10th century and was built to defend the surrounding area and control the territory. Over the centuries, the castle passed between various noble families, including the Savellis, the Orsinis and the Sinibaldis, from which it takes its name.