Tip:
Visiting Collalto Sabino in winter offers a unique, tranquil experience, but make sure to dress warmly and bring sturdy shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets. The combination of history, stunning landscapes, and the solitude of winter makes this an unforgettable escape from Rome.
Collalto Sabino: The Only Winter Tourists in Town
The Sabina region, where my house is located, is a treasure trove of medieval villages. There are dozens of charming places to explore, enough to keep a curious traveler busy for years. This time, we chose Collalto Sabino for an evening drive. Like Greccio, it proudly features on the list of "I Borghi più Belli d’Italia" - the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Collalto Sabino is about 15 kilometers away as the crow flies from our place, but the winding mountain roads stretch the journey to about 45 minutes by car. When we left, the temperature was a crisp 10°C, but as we climbed higher into the mountains, it dropped to near freezing, and the roads in some places were icy.
Sitting at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, Collalto Sabino is a marvel of ancient engineering. How the Lombards managed to construct a strategic lookout post here 1000 years ago is beyond me. From Collalto Sabino, the views are breathtaking: a sweeping panorama of the valley below and snow-capped peaks in the distance, the tallest of which rises to over 2,400 meters. Over the centuries, this vantage point was coveted by the Duke of Spoleto, the Normans, and even Frederick II of Swabia, King of Germany, Sicily, Italy, Naples, and Jerusalem in the 12th century. And now, it was mine to marvel at as a delighted winter tourist.
The Joy of Winter Tourism
Winter tourism has its perks, and one of the best is having an entire destination to yourself. As we wandered the cobblestone streets of Collalto Sabino, we were the only visitors—and, truthfully, the only people out and about. Of the village’s 421 inhabitants, we encountered just five. This solitude allowed us to explore the 14th-century castle at leisure, soaking in its grandeur without jostling through crowds.
Unlike summer, there were no worries about oppressive heat, thirst, or throngs of tourists. Winter brings its own serene charm: the stillness of the village, the crisp mountain air, and the magic of medieval architecture against the backdrop of snowy peaks.
A Local Stop on the Way Back
On our way back, we stopped at a local alimentari (small grocery store), guarded by a watchful cat lounging by the door. Inside, the friendly shopkeeper guided us, with much enthusiasm and care, in selecting a high-quality chocolate cake. It was the perfect end to our mountain adventure. We returned home just as the sun was setting over the hills. La Vita è bella!
Directions to Collalto Sabino from Rome