Configni
Configni, located on the border between Lazio and Umbria, is famous for the mysterious Pozzo Miesole and for its spectacular cliff, that offers adults and kids the possibility to practice climbing activities.
Population
632
Area
22 km²
Altitude
549 m
Where is it?
Configni is a small village of about 620 inhabitants, located at 692 m. above sea level on the slopes of Monte Cosce, a natural (and administrative) border between Lazio and Umbria, 30 km. away from Rieti and 21 km. from Terni. It is accessible through winding and spectacular provincial roads, winding between the olive groves of Sabina and the holm oaks of the Monti Reatini.
What to see?
Configni deserves a visit for its welcoming historic centre – particularly lively in August – for the view of the Terni valley and for the ancient Parish Church of the Assumption. Visiting Configni also means hiking on the trails of Monte Cosce and climbing on the cliff that is located just north of the town, not far from Piazza XX Settembre. Lost in the woods, hidden among the dense vegetation, do not miss the small cave Rottaccia (Grottaccia), full of history and legends, according to which this cavity would be used as a place to expiate sins or as a refuge for bands of bandits or diabolical presences. Despite the fear and trepidation it instilled, from 7 April to 13 June 1944, the day of the liberation of the Sabine territory, it was used as a shelter for the population threatened by the German invasion. Particularly interesting is the Pozzo di Miesole, better known as "Puzzu ‘e Miesu", a cavity located on the slopes of Monte Cosce. The Well, mentioned in numerous legends, was explored in 1954 by the Roman Speleological Club: the entrance opens along a channel that descends into the beech forest dominating the village of Configni. The large well, 15x7 m. and about 50 m deep, then splits into two parallel wells ending in a huge underground hall (60x40 m. and 15 m. high).
