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Configni: A Village on the Border between Between Lazio and Umbria
Configni lies on the slopes of Monte Cosce, in the province of Rieti. The name says it all: it comes from the Latin confinium, meaning boundary. It is the point where the Sabine region of Lazio ends and Umbria begins. It has fewer than 500 inhabitants, olive groves everywhere, and a classical music festival that in the summer attracts musicians from around the world. The village is also a stopping-off point on the Tiber variant of the Cammino di Francesco (Way of St Francis).
A castle contested for centuries
The first mention of Configni appears in a papal bull of 856 AD. In 1027 the castle was donated to Farfa Abbey. It then passed under Narni, and subsequently into the hands of various noble families, before being taken over by the Orsini family from 1411, who had control over it for about three centuries. The village grew inside the town walls, which are still visible, with towers from the 13th and 14th centuries. In the historic centre is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption), where a large carved wooden panel, partly decorated with pure gold leaf, stands out behind the high altar.
The crag and the Rottaccia Cave
Near the village outdoor activities abound. To the north, the Monte Cosce rock face offers 60 climbing routes, including routes for children. In the woods on the eastern slope there is the Grotta Rottaccia, a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Local legends mention demons and outlaws, but the real story is that from 7 April to 13 June 1944 the cave sheltered villagers from the bombings.
