Poggio Mirteto: Churches, Art and History

Poggio Mirteto brings together church art, architectural history and festivals. If you are planning a stay, culture, architecture and event dates can provide different reasons for choosing when to travel. This is especially evident in religious buildings with varied furnishings, museum collections and festivals whose dates are sometimes fixed and sometimes dependent on the calendar.

Church Art and Architectural History

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta was built between 1641 and 1721 to a design by Martino Longhi and houses works by Plautilla Bricci, Giovanni Baglione, Giacinto Brandi and Antonio Gherardi. The Chiesa di San Paolo is considered Poggio Mirteto’s oldest church; its nave features frescoes dating from the 12th to the 14th century. A different kind of image can be found in the church of San Giovanni Battista, built in 1601: its main altarpiece is painted on both sides, depicting the birth of John the Baptist on one side and his beheading on the other. These three examples offer different points of reference: design and construction history, a collection of frescoes spanning several centuries, and an altarpiece with two clearly distinct scenes.

Museums and Historic Buildings

The Museo Diocesano Sabino is housed in the Palazzo Episcopale, which was formerly the residence of the commendatory abbots of Farfa. The museum’s exhibition was renewed in 2024 and includes silver processional crosses; the oldest dates from 1306. Another historic building is the Palazzo Abbaziale, built between 1285 and 1300. The Porta Farnese in Poggio Mirteto was opened in 1576. The Castello Pinci in the hamlet of Castel San Pietro represents a different period: it is the first fortified residence of the feudal lord of Castel San Pietro, with historical records dating from 1003/1009. The building has been restored.

Industrial History and Collections

On Piazza della Vetreria, the Ciminiera is the only surviving remnant of the Vetreria Fajella glassworks, which dates from the early 19th century. The Vetreria Fajella was the first glassworks of an industrial nature in Italy. The Museo Arti e Mestieri displays glassware from a historic glassworks as well as original furnishings from the former Farmacia Laus. The museum’s subject matter thus ranges from glassware to objects from a former pharmacy.

Festivals, Music and an Art Competition

Several recurring events take place throughout the year. Carnevale Liberato, also known as Carnevalone, has been celebrated since 1860 on the first Sunday of Lent. The Santuario Madonna della Misericordia hosts festivals in honour of the Madonna della Misericordia every year on 23 January and 27 June. The two celebrations at the sanctuary fall on fixed dates, while Carnival is tied to the Lenten calendar—a practical distinction if you are planning your travel dates around an event. The Settimana Musicale Mirtense is a festival of classical, modern and contemporary music in Poggio Mirteto; in 2026, it reached its 20th edition. The San Gaetano da Thiene cultural project also includes an international art competition, held every two years following a public call for submissions, inviting artists from across Europe to portray a theme from the saint’s life, works and miracles. If you would like to plan your stay around an event, check the relevant date before booking.

Views Across the Valle del Tevere

From the centre of Poggio Mirteto, you can enjoy views across the Valle del Tevere. This landscape perspective complements the town’s cultural themes, shaped by its churches, buildings and collections.

Discover more destinations: Cittareale, Varco Sabino, Talocci, Antrodoco, Monte San Giovanni In Sabina, Salisano, Casperia, Orvinio.

For the broader travel guide: Rieti.