
Lazio’s towns with fewer inhabitants are mainly located in the province of Rieti. Here are the three least populous municipalities in the region:
- Marcetelli (RI): is the least populous municipality in Lazio, with only 57 inhabitants, located in the province of Rieti
- Micigliano, in the province of Rieti: has 114 inhabitants
- Vivaro Romano: has 153 inhabitants
The least populous municipality in Lazio
Marcetelli is a small Italian municipality and is known for having the fewest inhabitants in the region. According to the most recent data, the population varies between 57 and 89 inhabitants. This town is located 930 meters above sea level, among the mountains of the historical-geographical region of Cicolano. It is surrounded by reliefs such as La Cimata (1154 m), Colle Ciccia (1102 m) and Colle Calende (1055 m) and is part of the Monti Navegna and Cervia Nature Reserve.
The village overlooks Lake Salto, a reservoir created in 1940, from above. It retains a medieval atmosphere, with stone houses and cobbled streets converging in the main square. Places of interest include the parish church of San Venanzio and San Martino, an octagonal fountain, and the Palazzo Barberini. Nearby are the chapel of San Rocco and the church of Santa Maria in Villa, which houses 16th-century frescoes.
It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and contact with nature.
The second least populous municipality in Lazio
Micigliano is a small municipality located in the province of Rieti, Lazio, with a population of just 114 inhabitants (figure updated to 2023), making it one of the least populous municipalities in the region. It rises at an altitude of 1,005 meters above sea level, on the eastern slope of Mount Terminillo, and overlooks the striking Velino Gorges.
The municipality also includes the hamlet of Terminillo, which houses part of the Mount Terminillo ski resort. The area is characterized by a mountain climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool, dry summers.
Micigliano was part of the province of L’Aquila until 1927, when it was annexed to the province of Rieti.
If you are a nature lover, there is a scenic road that connects Micigliano to the Sella di Leonessa pass (1,901 m), offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga groups.
Fun fact: Gabriele D’Annunzio mentions Micigliano in his novel Il Piacere, mentioning a “princess of Micigliano,” a fictional character.
The third least populous municipality in Lazio
Vivaro Romano is a small mountain municipality located in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, on the border with Abruzzo. With only 153 inhabitants (updated to 2024), it is one of the least populated municipalities in the region and the least populated in the Metropolitan City of Rome.
Vivaro Romano’s origins date back to the period of medieval encastellation. The village was known as Castrum Vivarii, a small fortified settlement. In later centuries, Vivaro Romano was under the control of several noble families, including the Borghese, who left significant traces in the area.
The name “Vivaro” comes from the Latin vivarium, which indicated a place for farming or fishing. Until 1872 the municipality was officially called only “Vivaro.” Still visible today are the remains of the Borghese Castle, located in a panoramic position, testifying to the strategic importance of the village in medieval times.
Village festivals include the Feast of St. Blaise (Feb. 3) with processions and religious services and the Feast of Mary Most Holy Illuminated with processions, evening torchlight processions and fireworks displays.