The Place - Monteleone in Sabina

SABINA
About an hour's drive and fifty kilometres north-east of Rome, following the eastern bank of the Tiber River and the Sabine Hills, lies the territory of Sabina. It is a magical land of castles, little towns connected by winding country roads, family run tavernas, and breath-taking scenery wherever you go. Europe's oldest olive tree lives in the Sabina too (Canneto di Fara), at 2000 years old it still produces a heavy crop each year, not surprising as the Sabina is famous for it's olive oil.

The ancient traditions of Sabina, entwined with religion and agriculture, can still be experienced during the many local fairs which are held frequently throughout the seasons. From early spring, to late autumn, medieval villages are filled with a festive atmosphere, culminating with beautiful fireworks. You can't miss these events if you want to taste the local gastronomic specialities. Extra virgin olive oil from Sabina is the main ingredient in this cuisine and the olive tree has been a constant element of the Sabine landscape since the times of ancient Rome.

Olive oil remains the key economic food resource due to the quality single-estate oils that are so low in acidity they are extra smooth and rich.

MONTELEONE
A beautiful unspoilt medieval hilltop village, Monteleone was an important city in ancient Roman times (called Montis Leonis - the 'Mount Lion'). Half a mile from the village, lies the impressive archaeological site of Trebula Mutuesca, with splendid remains of an amphitheatre, baths and living quarters, all set amongst orchards and vineyards.
Nearby is the 11th century church of Santa Vittoria, one of the best examples of the Romanesque and gothic styles in Italy.
Monteleone is famous for its delicious oven-fired sourdough fresh bread and focaccia, a flat white pizza like bread.

RELTINE VALLEY
The Reatine Valley, with its Franciscan sanctuaries, Farfa Abbey, for centuries a witness to the power of the Roman Church, the Romanesque churches of Vescovio and Santa Vittoria, the archaeological sites and ancient Roman town of Trebula Mutuesca and Forum Novum as well as, the national parks, and the capital city Rieti are among the many attractions in Sabina. From here, along pleasant country roads, you can easily reach the lakes of Bracciano and Bolsena, and within one hour's drive, some of the most important artistic sights of central Italy, such as Spoleto, Orvieto and Assisi.