Vacone: Macchia, Festivals and Roman Heritage

Vacone offers a range of reasons to visit: landscapes and routes sit alongside archaeological sites, churches and traditional festivals. The celebrations held on specific dates are especially useful when planning your visit. Details on length, duration and elevation gain also help distinguish between the routes.

Landscapes and routes

Two distinct geographical areas meet in the Vacone area: Mediterranean Macchia and Apennine Macchia. The Cicloturistica dei Borghi Sabini offers another way to experience the landscape. This circular route is more than 100 kilometres long and passes through Vacone.

The Vacone–Cima dell'Immagine–Romitorio route takes about one hour and 45 minutes and has an elevation gain of 330 metres. The two routes are described using different details: the length of the circular route, and the duration and elevation gain of the route to the Romitorio. About one kilometre from the town centre lies Bosco del Pago, a natural oasis and mysterious sacred forest also mentioned by Pliny the Elder.

Cultural sites and religious traditions

The Villa Romana di Vacone is a major archaeological site, where visitors can see monumental cryptoporticos and mosaics made from Rosso-Cottanello stone. Just over 500 metres from the villa is the Fonte di Bandusia, the second stop on the Horatian itinerary. Castello di Vacone consists of two buildings, a belvedere courtyard and a garden.

The churches also offer insight into the area’s architectural and artistic history. Rutilio Antonelli built the Chiesa della Madonna della Fonte in the first half of the 17th century. The church of San Giovanni Evangelista houses a valuable tempera-painted panel triptych attributed to Marco Antonio Aquili, from the school of Antoniazzo Romano.

The Romitorio di Sant'Orsola, also known as the Santuario di Santa Maria della Pietà, stands at an altitude of 806 metres on the southern slope of Monte Cosce. On Pentecost, a procession from Vacone reaches the Romitorio. The Festa della Madonna della Pietà also traditionally reaches its culmination on Pentecost. It features traditional games and refreshments with typical local sweets, and concludes with a solemn procession and fireworks.

Festivals and food events

The Festa d'Autunno has been held in Vacone on the last Sunday in October since 1999. At the festival, Sabina DOP olive oil, wine, cured meats, honey, chestnuts and cheese are offered for public tasting. The Festa della Madonna della Fonte is traditionally celebrated on 21 November. On 27 December, the Festa di San Giovanni Evangelista features the traditional dish Padellaccia.

Suoni e sapori sotto le stelle is a gastronomic and cultural event that has been held for more than 20 years. Food stalls offering a wide variety of local specialities are set up in Vacone’s four central squares. Each festival therefore has its own seasonal and culinary focus.

If you’re looking for hotels in Vacone, the reason for your trip can help you choose when to visit, whether for the autumn tastings, a celebration on a set calendar date or the Pentecost festivities. Check the event dates for your chosen year before finalising your stay.

Discover more destinations: Magliano Sabina, Salisano, Talocci, Casaprota, Grotti, Cantalice, Santa Maria, Cottanello.

For the broader travel overview: Rieti.