Poggio Catino: Longobard Tower, Churches and Festival Traditions

Poggio Catino brings together a historic town center, churches in different districts, celebrations for San Silvestro, and hilly surroundings with forests and olive groves. The ruins of the Rocca, the Terme di Silla archaeological site, the Iris Film Festival, and the walk to the Hermitage of San Michele are also among the town’s highlights. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these features can help you plan your stay according to your interests.

Townscape and Buildings

Poggio Catino consists of two separate districts. The Longobard Tower stands in the historic center of Poggio Catino; it is a pentagonal tower 33 meters high. From its top, on clear days, you can see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome with the naked eye. This distant view is therefore subject to a specific condition: clear days.

The Church of San Rocco stands on the square in Poggio Catino. The parish church in the Catino district is dedicated to Saint Eustace, Sant’Eustachio. The Church of San Silvestro lies just outside Poggio Catino and is mentioned in the church register Registrum Iurisdictionis Episcopatus Sabinensis from 1343.

The picturesque ruins of the Rocca, also known as Castello di Catino, are in the Catino district. Near the cemetery is the Terme di Silla archaeological site, which probably dates from the Roman Republican period. This brings two distinct historical references into focus: a named castle ruin and an archaeological site with a cautiously worded dating.

Festival Traditions and Short Films

On December 31, residents carry the statue of San Silvestro in a procession from the parish church to the Church of San Silvestro and back. After Mass, the celebrations include the “festarolo” ritual, in which the names of the people who will organize the festival the following year are drawn. The ritual links the feast day with the selection of the designated organizers for the coming year.

The Iris Film Festival is a summer event dedicated to ambitious short films. Directors of selected short films may meet and talk with the audience. Since 2024, Poggio Catino has been an official festival venue. If the festival is important to your travel dates, check the specific event dates before booking a hotel.

Landscape, Hike and Local Product

Hilly landscapes, dense forests and olive groves surround Poggio Catino. The Hermitage of San Michele offers another view of the surroundings: the rock sanctuary is carved into a cave on Monte Tancia and can be reached by a hike of about two hours. The two districts are about 1 km apart.

The characteristic product of the area around Poggio Catino is Sabina DOP extra virgin olive oil. It is one of Lazio’s most highly regarded products.

Discover more destinations: Fiumata, Torri In Sabina, Poggio Mirteto, Rieti, Colle Di Tora, Cittareale, Montopoli Di Sabina, Posta.

Go to the main travel overview: Rieti.