Nespolo between forests, borderland and cultural heritage

Around Nespolo, the hills form the southeastern sector of the Monte Navegna e Monte Cervia Regional Nature Reserve; this sector also marks the regional boundary with Abruzzo. Forests stretch almost uninterrupted around the village. The landscape and border location shape Nespolo’s connection with nature, while its trails, the Church of San Sebastiano and the water mill offer their own distinct points of interest.

Forests and trails along the regional border

Two named trails offer different points of reference. The CAI 349 Il Rio–Pelliccia–Il Rio loop trail offers views of the eastern slope of Monte Cervia. The CAI 348 Colle Martino–Nespolo trail starts in the village of Colle Martino at an altitude of 810 m and follows a 5 km unpaved road. This route marks both the southeastern boundary of the Monte Navegna e Monte Cervia Regional Nature Reserve and the regional boundary between Lazio and Abruzzo. The trails therefore stand out for different details: the loop trail for its views of the eastern slope, and CAI Trail 348 for its starting point, elevation, length and boundary route.

San Sebastiano and the water mill

The Church of San Sebastiano brings together a dated building history and a work of art. It was built in 1357 and restored in 1521. The church also houses a 16th-century painting from the Flemish school depicting the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian. The building history and the subject of the painting offer two different ways to explore this place: the dates mark the construction and restoration, while the painting places Saint Sebastian at the center.

The Mulino ad acqua-Nespolo water mill lies beside a stream a few hundred metres below the village of Nespolo; a short footpath through the vegetation leads to it. The mill contains a wooden millstone with a horizontal wheel, formerly used to grind grains such as wheat, rye and spelt for family consumption. A large stone basin is attached to the building. It was once used to store water during dry periods or when the stream’s flow was low. The millstone and basin thus offer insight into two aspects of the mill’s former use: processing grain and managing scarce water.

Picnics, summer and local cuisine

The Monte Piano area near Nespolo is equipped for picnics and summer camping. Summer is specifically mentioned as the season for camping. From a bench, you can enjoy views across the entire mountain range of the Monte Navegna e Monte Cervia nature reserve. Behind the bench are a picnic area, a fountain and several trailheads for routes through the park. This viewpoint thus brings together sweeping views and practical starting points for trails.

The local cuisine also offers a concrete connection to the area: Gnocchetti con i fagioli is among the typical dishes of Nespolo’s culinary tradition.

Getting there

A municipal tourism description, last updated on 24 February 2024, mentions the A24 and the Casoli-Oricola exit for getting to Nespolo; from there, the village is about 15 km away. Check the current road signs before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Greccio, Poggio Bustone, Ornaro, Montebuono, Posta, Piano, Cittareale, Fiumata.

Return to the main travel guide: Rieti.