Longobarda Tower

The Longobard Tower of Poggio Catino, dating back to the 9th-10th centuries, is an extraordinary historical-architectural testimony located in the charming village of Catino, in the municipality of Poggio Catino, in the province of Rieti. This imposing medieval monument, built during the Lombard era, was born as a defensive and sighting structure, included in a strategic territorial control system in the beautiful Sabina.

At 33 meters high, the Longobard Tower is distinguished by its distinctive pentagonal shape, characterized by an acute apex oriented to the northeast. The structure, made of a dense masonry texture of small and medium-sized stones, has chiseled stone edges and is designed to gradually narrow toward the top. Despite the loss of the apex, the tower has remained in excellent condition.

Originally equipped with four mezzanines connected by rudimentary stairs, the tower culminated in a perimeter walkway used for guarding. Windows, located along the different levels, served as surveillance points, offering protection during adverse weather conditions. The main entrance, located on the west side, was accessible via a stone staircase and a removable wooden platform, elements that reinforced its defensive functions.

The Longobard Tower is an integral part of the ancient Fortress of Catino, of which the east curtain wall and the two corner towers remain well preserved. However, much of the fortress is now in a state of ruins, making it difficult to reconstruct its original layout. Nevertheless, the tower continues to be a symbol of great historical and cultural value to the region.

Today, the Longobard Tower of Poggio Catino represents a must-see destination for medieval history enthusiasts and visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of Sabina. Thanks to its panoramic position, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, making the village of Catino an ideal place to discover the wonders of the historical and natural heritage