Forano

If you are looking for a hotel in Forano, you can shape your stay around your interest in history, art, commemorative culture, nature or local cuisine. The town brings together different historical periods, church art and longstanding traditions. The different places within the municipality also offer their own themes for planning your trip.

Castle, palazzo and older traces

The medieval castle of Forano dates from the 10th to 11th century and stands on the ruins of an earlier Roman villa. Two clearly distinct periods meet here: the Roman past and the medieval castle. Castello di Forano is also known as Palazzo Ducale. The palazzo preserves halls and frescoes from the 16th century.

In the Forano Vecchia area, behind Palazzo Ducale, you will find some of the town’s most interesting historical details. Those interested in Forano’s development will find a different perspective here than by looking at the castle itself: Forano Vecchia brings together further historical connections, while the castle complex combines several periods through its Roman past and the palazzo’s later halls and frescoes.

Churches and works of art

The Chiesa della S.S. Trinità e di Maria Assunta is protected by the Soprintendenza for the Environmental and Architectural Heritage of Lazio. Its altar features a painting commissioned by Luigi Strozzi from Girolamo Troppa for the inauguration of the parish church. Troppa’s altarpiece depicts the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven, as well as Saints Jerome and Anthony.

The work is also the only surviving depiction of what Forano is said to have looked like at the end of the 17th century. It therefore has both religious subject matter and a particular connection to the town’s history. Other dates place the history of its churches in context: the Church of San Sebastiano was built in 1627, and the Waldensian Evangelical Church in Forano was founded in 1894. The Church of Santissima Trinità in Forano dates back to the end of the 17th century and was built by the Strozzi family.

Remembrance and public art

The Monumento ai caduti commemorates those who fell in the First and Second World Wars and has a travertine façade. The First World War memorial plaque depicts a female figure dressed in ancient clothing and wearing a mural crown. A winged figure of Victory and a laurel branch are also shown. At this memorial site, you can distinguish the façade’s material from the individual motifs on the plaque.

Walks, festivals and local specialties

The countryside around Forano invites you to take walks, and swimming is possible in the cool waters of its streams. These offer different ways to experience nature during your stay: explore on foot or spend time by the streams. Fallone is a local culinary specialty. This traditional savory dish is a closed, crescent-shaped flatbread made from bread dough and filled with vegetables browned in a pan.

The Sagra della Pastasciutta is one of Forano’s recurring events and takes place on 14 August. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance. Olio Extravergine di Oliva Sabina DOP is also associated with the region: Forano, like the rest of the Sabina area, is linked to its production, which is attributed to the Sabina area.

Gavignano and the municipality of Forano

Gavignano is a hamlet in the municipality of Forano and has its own historical and culinary connections. The castle’s northern gate is located there. Palazzo Baronale houses the Museo della Civiltà Contadina. Near Gavignano is Fonte Meo, also known as Gabinia, where the remains of a water-collection basin from an ancient Roman complex can be seen.

These Roman traces differ from those in the center of Forano: the castle is a medieval structure built on the ruins of a Roman villa, while Fonte Meo has the visible remains of a collection basin. The Sagra dei Maccaruni alla Gavignanese is another culinary connection to Gavignano. For three days in early August, visitors can sample very thin macaroni, cut entirely by hand. By comparison, the recurring Sagra della Pastasciutta in Forano takes place on 14 August. The different locations and dates help you distinguish between the two festivals when planning your trip.

Plan your journey

A municipal notice dated 7 July 2026 and updated on 18 July reported the suspension of Cotral services between the inhabited centers of Forano and Gavignano Sabino railway station. Check the current service status before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Poggio Moiano, Stimigliano, Vacone, Torricella In Sabina, Castelnuovo Di Farfa, Labro, Selci, Limiti Di Greccio.

For the broader travel overview: Rieti.