Less than 90 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Rome, there is a place where time seems to have stood still, earning it the nickname “little Switzerland” of Lazio. This is Castel di Tora, a medieval gem nestled in the province of Rieti with less than 300 inhabitants, proudly overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Turano.
Between history and legend
Originally known as Castelvecchio, the village took its current name in 1864, in homage to the legendary Roman city of Tora, which is said to have stood in this very valley. Located at an altitude of about 600 meters, the village has preserved its urban layout almost intact since the early 20th century.
Natural stone houses with wooden roofs and terracotta tiles line winding alleys and cobbled streets. The village is dominated by the pentagonal tower (an ancient keep of the castle dating back to the year 1000) and the remains of the old city walls, including three surviving towers.
The main square features the Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain) from 1898, created by local craftsmen to celebrate the arrival of running water.
The Metamorphosis of the Landscape: Lake Turano
The village’s economy underwent a radical change between 1935 and 1938, when the construction of a dam transformed the agricultural valley into a 10-km-long reservoir with a perimeter of 36 km. This artificial lake is connected to the nearby Lago del Salto via a 9-km underground tunnel.
Today, the lake is not only a scenic backdrop but also a living ecosystem. A fascinating curiosity concerns its century-old carp, specimens that can exceed 20 kg in weight. Local enthusiasts practice respectful sport fishing: the fish are identified by name, photographed, and released back into the water. During the program “Alle falde del Kilimangiaro” (on Rai 3), a fisherman revealed the name of one carp: “Snow White.”
Traditions, Taste, and Nature
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Castel di Tora is not only a pleasure for the eyes, but also for the palate and the spirit. The symbolic dish is Polentone, the star of a festival held on the first Sunday of Lent. Unlike the classic version, here the polenta is seasoned with a “sugo di magro” (lean sauce) made with herring, anchovies, tuna, and salt cod.
During Easter, the tradition of the raganella(tree frog) is still alive: unable to use bells, children walk through the streets of the village playing this wooden instrument to announce the services.
Thanks to the Monti Navegna e Cervia Nature Reserve, the village is a paradise for trekking. Among the most evocative destinations are the Vallocchie Waterfalls, the Hermitage of San Salvatore, and the ghost village of Monte di Antuni.
Why visit?
For locals and foreign visitors alike, Castel di Tora represents a “glimpse into life as it once was.” Whether it’s for lunch with a view of the lake at restaurants such as Riva Del Lago 2.0 or to lose yourself in the woods, this village offers a rejuvenating escape where promoting the area has become the main mission of the young people who have chosen not to abandon their roots.