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Montasola

The attractive village of Montasola is surrounded by thick laurel woods, particularly sought after in ancient Rome, when the emperors wanted the laurel of these woods to celebrate their victories. Its alleys rise concentrically up to the fortress erected in a strategic position for the defense of the Papal State and offering, today, an extraordinary view over the surrounding landscape.

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Population

387

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Area

12,6 km²

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Altitude

604 m

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Where is it?

Montasola, a charming village of about 400 inhabitants, is perched on Monte San Pietro, at about 600 m. above sea level, between the hills of Sabina, about 70 km. away from Rome and 32 km. from Terni.

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Its origins?

Montasola was also known as Curtis de Lauri (Città dei Lauri), but its modern name derives from the ancient name of the mountain on which it stands, the Monte Asola. The first news about the Castrum date back to 1191, when Celestine III transformed it into a strategic castle governed directly by the popes. Then the Castrum of Montasola was restored in 1253 when Pope Innocent IV ordered the payment of taxes landowners and non-residents. In 1368, the castle was subjected to Francesco and Buccio Orsini. Between the 17th and 18th centuries Montasola was the residence of Francesco Cimini, a benefactor who left long-lasting traces of his link with the village: suddenly become rich thanks to the fortuitous discovery of golden rods in the workshop where he worked as a carpenter in Rome, he built a hospital in the village and following his death in 1712, he bequeathed most of his belongings to the Municipality of Montasola. After the annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, Montasola became part of the province of Perugia until 1927, when it was included in the newly established province of Rieti. The following year, the Municipality was suppressed and the he village passed under the jurisdiction of the nearby Cottanello before regaining its autonomy in 1946.

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What to see?

Through the main gate of the village the only tower surviving among the 16 that surrounded the town, stands out with its imposing structure from which it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the valley. A series of typical alleys wind concentrically towards the Rocca (the highest point) revealing suggestive views. The historic centre, completely closed to traffic, is a classic example of medieval architecture characterized several interesting places including the Town Hall and the adjacent Parish Church, dedicated to Saints Peter and Thomas. The 18th-century buildings belonging to the former Opera Pia “Francesco Cimini” includes the hospital, the old pharmacy and the clinic. Also visible are the oven and the recently restored municipal well, the monument war memorial and the three permanent exhibitions dedicated to the intangible heritage of the community. The church of the Oratory of the Holy Cross is part of the complex called Opera Pia “Cimini”, together with a hospital, the small church of Monte and several properties in Sabina and Rome. The Church of San Michele Arcangelo is probably the oldest within the walls. The Church of Santa Maria delle Murelle was certainly built on the remains of the first settlement and is located just outside the town inside the municipal park known, as "Il Monte", that is really unique, thanks to its panoramic position and its hundreds of cypresses and different qualities of pines.