Castel di Tora on Lake Turano

Castel di Tora lies on the shore of the artificial Lake Turano and is surrounded by the dense forests of the Monte Navegna and Monte Cervia Nature Reserve. So choosing this destination involves more than taking in the scenery: history, religious heritage and local food culture also offer distinct focal points. The following places, architectural features and festival dates can help you decide which themes to make part of your trip.

Lakeside scenery and activities

You can rent kayaks, canoes, SUPs and pedal boats from the nautical clubs in Castel di Tora. Offers and availability may change, so check whether your preferred type of boat is available before making plans. Fishing is also permitted in the artificial basin of Lake Turano, although local regulations may change. Boat rentals and fishing involve different planning considerations: for the former, the available type of boat matters; for the latter, it is the regulations currently in force.

The landscape also includes a labyrinth in a protected area. It is a single-path sensory trail with seven circles and was built exclusively from materials found on site. Unlike the activities on the water, the focus here is on the trail’s layout and design. These specific features can help you see the labyrinth as a distinct part of your trip.

Historic sites and architectural styles

The tower of Torre e Palazzo Scuderini Rossi was restored after being struck by lightning in 1718 and retains its original structure. On the main square, the Fontana del Tritone dates from 1898. The two dates point to different aspects of the townscape: the tower was restored after a specific event, while the fountain’s date marks when it was built. These buildings therefore offer different historical points of reference.

Another architectural highlight is the medieval village of Monte Antuni in the province of Rieti. A narrow isthmus connects it to the mainland across Lake Turano. The old main portal, bastions and buttresses of Palazzo Del Drago in Monte Antuni have been preserved. The palazzo had 365 windows and painted halls. These details offer two different insights: the surviving architectural elements show specific features of the structure, while the number of windows and painted halls describe the historic building. Access to the Borgo di Monte Antuni is permitted only when accompanied by guides authorized by the municipality of Castel di Tora. As access rules may change, check them before your visit.

The Hermitage of San Salvatore

The Hermitage of San Salvatore is a small rock church created by sealing off a natural cave where a hermit lived. Preserved features include the saint’s stone sleeping place and two paintings: the fresco on the altar and another image above the entrance. Its origins in a cave set this site apart from the towers and palaces. If you are interested in religious heritage, you can thus consider two different forms of architectural history as part of your trip.

Local food culture and festival dates

The local food culture also has specific dates on the calendar. At Polentone, celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent, polenta is cooked in a large cauldron and served with a meatless sauce made with stockfish, herring, tuna and anchovies. Strigliozzi are handmade macaroni and are celebrated on the last Sunday in September. The traditions differ both in the dishes served and in their dates. If you would like to plan your trip around either festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Collegiove, Montasola, Micigliano, Longone Sabino, Belmonte In Sabina, Configni, Toffia, Gavignano Sabino

For the wider travel overview: Rieti.