Monte San Giovanni in Sabina between castle, forest and Monte Tancia

Monte San Giovanni in Sabina at Monte Tancia

Monte San Giovanni in Sabina lies at the foot of Monte Tancia in an unspoilt natural landscape. The area's forests are characterised by oak, poplar and beech trees.

Castles, roads and early historical evidence

The ruins of the Rocca di Tancia belong to two fortified settlements and still tower above the road connecting Rieti with the Tiber Valley. The Rocca di Tancia (Castello di Tancia) was founded between 967 and 975. Fatucchio Castle has been documented since 988. Another historical connection is the Via del Tancia, which served as an important transport route for centuries and was used by merchants and pilgrims.

A church and cave as cultural attractions

The Grotta di San Michele is an ancient natural cave on Monte Tancia. It is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and serves as a historic and spiritual place of worship. Inside, there is an altar beneath a ciborium supported by two columns, as well as numerous frescoes. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista also offers a deep insight into the history of the town: it was built on the remains of an ancient fortress and houses paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Hiking, nature and a monthly market

The paths around the Grotta di San Michele offer panoramic views and allow you to discover the area's characteristic flora and fauna. Monte San Giovanni in Sabina is also one of the municipalities connected by the six-day Cammino dei Borghi Sabini. A different form of local gathering is provided by the goods and livestock market, which takes place on the last Sunday of every month.

Access through the historic townscape

The entrance to Monte San Giovanni leads through the gate tower of the ancient castle. The town is also home to the castle's upper square tower; it has been restored and dedicated to the memory of those who fell in all wars. Monte San Giovanni in Sabina can be reached via Rieti railway station on the Terni–Rieti–L’Aquila–Sulmona railway line. From there, you can continue by bus with Autolinee Cotral. The building of the Osteria del Tancia is now a hostel with 20 beds and is run by the social support association Tancia Hostel House APS.

Memorial sites at Monte Tancia

The Monumento in ricordo dell’Eccidio del Monte Tancia is located in a fenced green area. A staircase leads from the entrance to the central memorial stone. The memorial to the massacre at Monte Tancia also includes a cross-bearing stele standing on a pedestal among tall pines and cypresses. Every year, on the anniversary of the massacre, the municipal administration of Monte San Giovanni in Sabina organises a memorial ceremony at the site.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare Monte San Giovanni in Sabina with other destinations, you can find Rieti, Piedicolle, Roccantica, Antrodoco, Cittaducale, Castel di Tora, Poggio Moiano and Greccio here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rieti.