Castel di Tora: Culture, Lake and Local Traditions

Architecture shaped by local history and public squares

The tower of Torre e Palazzo Scuderini Rossi was restored after being struck by lightning in 1718 and retains its original structure. The main square of Castel di Tora is home to the Fontana del Tritone, which dates from 1898. Both sites point to different periods in the history of Castel di Tora and provide notable cultural landmarks on a walk through the town.

Monte Antuni and its distinctive buildings

The medieval village of Monte Antuni is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus across Lago del Turano and is located in the province of Rieti. The old main portal, the bastions and the buttresses of Palazzo Del Drago have survived; the palazzo had 365 windows and painted halls. Access to the Borgo di Monte Antuni is permitted exclusively when accompanied by guides authorized by the municipality of Castel di Tora. This rule is one of the most important points to consider when planning a visit to Monte Antuni.

A small rock church with preserved details

The Eremo di San Salvatore is a small rock church created by enclosing a natural cave in which a hermit lived. The saint’s stone sleeping place and two paintings have been preserved and remain visible there.

Activities on Lago del Turano

Kayaks, canoes, SUPs and pedal boats can be rented from the boating clubs in Castel di Tora. Fishing is also permitted in the artificial basin of Lago del Turano. The range of options therefore extends from paddling and steering small boats to enjoying a peaceful pastime by the water. This lakeside setting can thus be combined with a variety of interests, without having to consider culture and landscape separately.

A distinctive route in the nature reserve

The maze in Castel di Tora is a single-track sensory route in a nature reserve with seven circles. It was created exclusively from materials found on site. The seven circles and the use of local materials define the character of this unusual installation.

Local cuisine and traditional festival dates

Culinary traditions also give Castel di Tora its own rhythm. During Polentone, celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent, polenta is cooked in a large cauldron and served with a lean sauce made from stockfish, herring, tuna and anchovies. Strigliozzi are handmade macaroni and are celebrated on the last Sunday in September.

Other places in the same region

Tarano, Rocca Sinibalda, Stimigliano, Toffia, Poggio Moiano, Talocci, Varco Sabino, Montopoli Di Sabina

For the broader travel overview: Rieti.