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Poggio Catino in the Sabina Reatina: a village with two centres, and a tower from which you can see St Peter's
Poggio Catino is a village in the Sabina area, 80 km from Rome, with a feature that immediately sets it apart: it is divided into two urban centres — Poggio Catino and Catino —which are about 1 km apart.
Poggio Catino
The historic centre winds around the Lombard Tower, a pentagonal structure 33 m tall, from which, on clear days, you can see the dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Palazzo Olgiati — now the seat of the municipal administration — stands on top of Colle Moricone, next to the ancient medieval fortress, and transformed at the beginning of the 17th century by the Olgiati family into a noble residence with an arcaded loggia, frescoes, marble and stucco work. It changed hands several times until 1980, when it was purchased by the Municipality. The Church of San Rocco (St Roch) overlooks the village square, while just off the square is the Church of San Silvestro (St Sylvester), dating from 1343.
Catino and surrounding area
In Catino you can find the ruins of the Rocca, or Castle of Catino, and the parish Church of Sant'Eustachio (St Eustace). The Terme di Silla — Republican-era baths near the cemetery — are also worth a visit. For those who enjoy walking, the Hermitage of San Michele (St Michael)— a rock-cut sanctuary carved into a cave on Monte Tancia — can be reached with a hike of about two hours.
Flavours and events
The signature product of the area is Sabina DOP extra-virgin olive oil, one of the most highly regarded in Lazio. Since 2024 the village has hosted the Iris Film Festival, dedicated to independent cinema.
