Top 4 Natural Monuments around Colle Di Tora

This is a historic fountain in Collelungo Sabino, located along Via San Clemente, in the province of Rieti. The site is adorned with murals depicting scenes from traditional Sabine life, with women at the ancient fountain, animals, and moments of rural sociality. The fountain itself is set in a small protected structure, typical of historic springs that played a central role in local communities, both as a water supply and as a meeting place. The presence of a poem entitled "The Source" painted on the wall further enhances its symbolic and cultural function, testifying to the importance of the fountain both from a naturalistic perspective and to the historical memory of the area. The outdoor pool for animals and the artistic care indicate a recent enhancement of the site, consistent with the inscription recalling its Roman origins and the 2018 redevelopment. This type of rural fountain represents one of the widespread heritages of Sabina, where spring water was often channeled and protected by small wall structures, serving both people and animals and constituting a landmark in the landscape. The pictorial decoration and poetry complete the function of collective memory and tourist and cultural valorization of the spring, typical of the municipalities of the province of Rieti and of the Sabine traditions.

beware of slippery stairs!

The Grotta di San Michele is immersed in the woods of the Cicolano Mountains, at about 1,000 meters above sea level. It is a small rock church built inside a natural cave, a place of great charm and spirituality. The cult of San Michele Arcangelo was introduced to Sabina by the Lombards and spread to many high and steep places in Italy, often associated with caves and natural cavities. According to local tradition, it is here that the warrior saint fatally pierced a terrible dragon, a symbol of evil. The cave is mentioned in the records of the pastoral visits of Cardinals Corsini (1779-82) and Odescalchi (1833-36), who describe it as the "rural church of San Michele Arcangelo". The origin of the small church is shrouded in mystery: the facade is in Romanesque style, while inside there are Carolingian elements, testifying to a very ancient history. Inside the cave there is a Carolingian altar with a mosaic; a main altar with a wooden statue of St. Michael the Archangel, depicted while killing the dragon; the Ossuary of the Hermits, a natural niche that preserves skulls and bones, probably of the deceased buried here before the construction of the cemetery of Montorio in the 19th century. The cave is protected by a wall structure with a small single-lancet window above the entrance and a window in the upper part. Access is via a mule track or a dirt path, accessible from Pozzaglia Sabina or Montorio in Valle. Every year, on the first Sunday of May, a Holy Mass is celebrated in the cave, which is well attended by the local community. The place is also part of the Cammino di San Benedetto, a spiritual and naturalistic itinerary that crosses Sabina.

The path from the fountain is not very clear, follow the direction of the track and you will find it near a tree.

This beautiful waterfall can be easily reached from the village of Castel di Tora. The route that starts from the La Posta farmhouse is simple and short, also suitable for families. The waterfall has its maximum flow at the end of spring-early summer and is enclosed in a very suggestive environment almost reminiscent of a tropical climate.

to do a bit on foot but it's worth it

Splendid glimpse of the Maricella ditch and of the extraordinary rock formations. This very suggestive place is easily reachable from Civitella and offers a clearing with a picnic area. Ideal for a short excursion even with children.